LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap* Copyright No... 

SHelf„„V_._._.; 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



^* % COME TO WO^, 







F. A. T. A. L. 



And altogether blest 

Are those who know the Lord : 
The grave will kindly yield its guest 

To his resistless word. 



Adoptive Rite 
Ritual 

A BOOK OF INSTRUCTION 

IN THE 

Organization, Government and Ceremonies 



CHAPTERS 

•vw-X OF THE ORDER OF THE 

EASTERN STAR 

ARRANGED BY 

ROBERT MACOY %%%$* 

PAST GRAND SECRETARY OF THE SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER 

REVISED EDITION 
NEW YORK 

Masonio Publishing Company 
63 bleeckee street 

1897 



V 



v\ 



^ 



X 



>^ 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, 

By the Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Compant, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States 

for the Southern Bistrict of New York. 



/ X 



PREFACE. 

Having been engaged for a number of years 
in the dissemination of the beautiful Order of the 
Eastern Star, and believing that the system is fast 
becoming deeply rooted in the affections of the 
Craft and their female relatives ; and that the 
time is not far distant when this system of the 
Adoptive Rite will receive official recognition, and 
meet with general acceptance, even where it is 
now neglected or proscribed, has been the im- 
pelling influence for offering this volume upon 
the plan here suggested. 

The want of some systematic organization has 
been the leading cause in retarding its general 
usefulness. It may be set down as an axiom, 
that no degree, however remotely connected with 
any^institution, can take a high place among us 
unless it possess a well-conceived and philosophic 
basis of ceremonial, symbolism and constitutional 
regulation. Without these it is subject to con- 
5 



6 PREFACE. 

stant changes from a multiplicity of minds, which 
tend to destroy its universality and give its op- 
ponents just grounds for their cavillings. The 
history of all the Masonic degrees (above the first 
three) proves this. The degrees of the Chapter, 
Council and Commandery were never prized until 
in the last generation they were thus wrought 
out, framed together and perfectly systematized. 
Their opponents have now become their warmest 
advocates, and they stand upon an immutable 
foundation. 

Believing that there are equal grounds of 
stability in the system of the Eastern Star, the 
present Ritual is presented. In this pleasant 
labor I have had the counsel of the highest lights 
of the Adoptive System. Dr. Morris, whose 
labors in connection with this subject are well 
known, has given his unqualified approbation of 
the present plan. I have every reason to believe 
that in the preparation of this work nothing has 
been left undone that will conduce to the per- 
manency, prosperity and extended usefulness of 
the Order of the Eastern Star. 

ROBT. MACOY. 



ADOPTIVE RITE. 

. HISTORICAL SKETCH. 

Secret societies, imitating Freemasonry, for the 
admission of females as members, were first or- 
ganized in France about the year 1730, and still 
exist there and in other parts of Europe as a dis- 
tinct Rite. 

By the term Adoptive Bite is implied that system 
of forms, ceremonies, and explanatory lectures 
which is communicated to certain classes of ladies, 
who, from their relationship by blood or marriage 
to Master Masons in good standing, are entitled 
to the respect and attention of the entire Fra- 
ternity. 

These ladies are said to have been adopted into 
the Masonic communion, because the system of 
forms, ceremonies, and lectures above referred to 
enabled them to express their wishes, and give 
satisfactory evidence of their claims, in a manner 
that no stranger to the Masonic family could. 

To the organizations thus established for the 
initiation of females the French have given the 
7 



8 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

name of " Adoptive Masonry," Maconnerie d' 
Adoption, and the Lodges are called Loges d' 
Adoption, or " Adoptive Lodges," because every 
Lodge of females was obliged to be adopted by, 
and under the guardianship of, some regular 
Masonic Lodge. 

One of the first of these societies was the 
" Order of Perfect Happiness," for so we may be 
permitted to translate the name of " Felicitares," 
which they adopted. This society assumed a 
nautical character in its emblems and its vocabu- 
lary. It was divided into the four degrees of 
" Cabin-Boy," " Master," " Commodore," and 
"Vice-Admiral." What little information we 
have been enabled to obtain from a very brief 
notice of its ritual leads us to believe that it was 
not of a character to merit countenance. It did 
not long retain its existence ; for two years after 
its formation it gave place to the " Knights and 
Heroines of the Anchor," which was, however, 
but a refinement of the original society, and pre- 
served its formula of initiation and nearly all its 
ceremonies. 

In 1747 a new society was instituted, called 
" L'Order des Fendeurs," or the Order of Wood- 
cutters. It borrowed its principal ceremonies 
from the society of the Carbonari, or Coal-burn- 
ers, which had been previously established in 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. \) 

Italy. The place of meeting of the Wood- cutters 
was called the " wood-yard," and was supposed to 
represent a forest; the presiding officer was called 
" Father Master," and the male and female mem- 
bers were styled " Cousins." This society became 
at once exceedingly popular, and the most dis- 
tinguished ladies and gentlemen of France united 
themselves to it. It was, consequently, the cause 
of the institution of many similar societies, such 
as the Order of the Hatchet, of Fidelity, etc. 

In consequence of the increasing popularity of 
the numerous secret associations, which in their 
external characters and mysterious rites at- 
tempted an imitation of Freemasonry, differing, 
however, from that institution, of which they 
were, perhaps, the rivals for public favor, by the 
admission of female members, the Grand Orient 
of France, in 1774, established a new rite, called 
the "Kite of Adoption," which was placed under 
the control of the Grand Orient. Kules and 
regulations were provided for the government of 
these Lodges of Adoption, one of which was that 
no men should be permitted to attend them ex- 
cept regular Freemasons, and that each Lodge 
should be placed under the charge, and held 
under the sanction and warrant, of some regularly 
constituted Masonic Lodge, whose Master, or, in 
his absence, his Deputy, should be the presidio g 



10 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

officer, assisted by a female President or Mistress. 
Under these regulations a Lodge of Adoption 
was opened at Paris in 1775, under the patron- 
age of the Lodge of St. Anthony, in which the 
Duchess of Bourbon presided and was installed 
as Grand Mistress of the Adoptive Eite. The 
doctrines inculcated in this order were intended 
to remind the members of their especial duties 
in this world, and the words addressed by the 
Grand Mistress to the aspirant revealed the 
nature of the trials and of the instruction which 
awaited her in the successive degrees into which 
she sought to be initiated. The aspirant was 
warned against entering the society through a 
mere feeling of curiosity, and was informed that 
the order was destined to render human society 
as perfect as possible. She was taught to love 
justice and charity, to be free from prejudice and 
bigotry s to hate artifice and falsehood, and by her 
virtue to gain the universal esteem and friendship 
of her Brothers and Sisters. The candidate took 
the following oath : "In the presence of the 
Grand Architect of the Universe, I swear faith- 
fully to keep the secrets entrusted to me ; if I 
betray them may I be forever dishonored and 
despised ; and in order that I may have strength 
to keep my promise, may a spark of divine light 
illumine and protect my heart, and lead me in the 



OBJECTS OF THE RITE. 11 

paths of virtue." This promise was sealed with 
three kisses which the Grand Mistress gave her ; 
the kiss of peace on the forehead, the kiss of faith 
on the right cheek, and the kiss of friendship on 
the left cheek. 

Many systems of the Adoptive Right have, from 
time to time, been introduced into the United 
States, with varied success, but none of which 
seemed to possess the elements of permanency, 
until the introduction of the Order of the Eastern 
Star, which was established in this country during 
the year 1778. The success of this Order, as now 
conducted, corresponds in its usefulness with the 
extent of similar institutions. 

v 
OBJECTS OF THE RITE. 

For a more extended diffusion of the principles 
of morality and friendship by established and 
significant emblems; for inciting the influence of 
females towards the purposes of the Masonic insti- 
tution; for increasing social enjoyment by the aid 
of the Masonic tie; for ameliorating the condition 
of the destitute widow and the helpless orphan; 
and for affording increased facilities in relieving 
distressed female travelers, the Adoptive Rite has 
been framed. 

The wives, mothers, widows, sisters and daugh- 



12 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

ters of Masons cannot, from the immutable laws 
of the order, be permitted to share in the grand 
mysteries of Freemasonry; but there is no reason 
why there should not be a society for them, which 
may not merely enable them to make themselves 
known to Masons, and so to obtain assistance and 
protection, but by means of which, acting in con- 
cert through the tie of association and mutual 
obligation, they may co-operate in the great labors 
of Masonry, by assisting inland in some respects 
directing, the charities, and toiling in the cause 
of human progress. 

To secure successful results to a purpose so 
laudable it is necessary that its votaries should 
apply its rules in a rigid sense; carefully main- 
tain its landmarks; affiliate into its bonds only 
those who are well calculated by temperament 
and principle to understand and appreciate its 
beauties and work out patiently and untiringly its 
grand designs. 

The theory of the Order of the Eastern Star 
is founded upon the Holy writings. Five promi- 
nent female characters, illustrating as many moral 
virtues, have been selected and adopted. The 
selections are: 

1. Jephthah's Daughter, illustrating respect to 
the binding force of a voiv ; 



OBJECTS OF THE KITE. 13 

2. Ruth, illustrating devotion to religious prin- 
ciples ; 

3. Esther, illustrating fidelity to kindred and 
friends ; 

Martha, illustrating undeviating faith in the 
hour of trial ; 

5. Electa, illustrating patience and submission 
under wrongs. 

These virtues have nowhere in history more 
brilliant exemplars than in the five characters 
illustrated in the lectures of the Order of the 
Eastern Star. 

The honorable and exalted purposes had in view 
in its dissemination can have no opposition 
worthy the name. Its effects in winning to the 
advocacy of charity the virtuous, intelligent and 
influential female members of our families are 
truly encouraging, and stimulate its friends to 
persevere in a general promulgation of the system. 

According to the tenets of the Order of the 
Eastern Star, the Adoptive Rite stands a bright 
monument to female secrecy and fidelity, and 
proves how wrong all those are who fancy a woman 
is not to be trusted. There is not in the whole 
of the ceremonies of this Rite a single point with 
which the most ascetic moralist could find fault. 



14 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

On the contrary, all is pure, all is beautiful; it is 
among the brightest jewels which spangle the 
records of this elegant system. 

As the adoptive privileges of the lady entirely 
depend upon the good standing and affiliation of 
the Brother through whom she is introduced, this 
system will be a strong inducement, it is believed, 
to keep a Brother, otherwise inclined to err, 
within the bounds of morality. 

DIRECTIONS, ETC. 

Those desiring to take part in the diffusion of 
this Rite will associate to the number of seven, 
possessing harmony of sentiment and purpose, 
having received in a legal manner all the degrees 
of the Order, and petition the Supreme Grand 
Chapter in the following form: 

To the M. E. Grand Patron of the Supreme Grand Chap- 
ter of the Adoptive Rite of the Order of the Eastern 
Star. 
The undersigned, the wives, mothers, widows, sisters 
and daughters (as the case may be) of Master Masons, in 
good standing, and in possession of the five degrees of 
the Eastern Star, or Adoptive Rite, as appears by the 
certificate annexed, being desirous of associating our- 
selves into a Subordinate Chapter of the Adoptive Rite, 
for the purposes of mutual aid, sympathy and relief, as 
contemplated in the Constitution and By-Laws of the 



DIRECTIONS, ETC. 15 

Supreme Grand Chapter, and for the greater extension of 
the Rite, do hereby solicit a Charter under the title of 

Chapter, No , to he holden at County 

of , State of 

We have selected and do recommend Sister to 

be "Worthy Matron, and Sister to be Associate 

Matron, and would recommend the appointment of 
Brother to be the worthy Patron of said Chapter. 

If the prayer of this petition shall be granted, we sol- 
emnly pledge ourselves to strictly conform to the consti- 
tutional requirements of the Supreme Grand Chapter in 
all things appertaining to the Adoptive Rite, and the 
edicts of the M. E. Grand Patron, when said edicts are 
not inconsistent with the Landmarks of the Rite ; and if 
the Chapter herein solicited fail to become organized, or 
at any time hereafter be dissolved, we pledge our honor, 
each for herself and her successors, that the charter, 
books of record and account, and rituals shall be imme- 
diately returned to your Grand Secretary. 

In token whereof, we have severally affixed our 

hands this day of , a.d. 18. ., a.o. 91.* 

{Signed by all the petitioners ) 

This petition must be endorsed by the Deputy 
Grand Patron of the State, or by the Master of 
the Lodge nearest the place where the Chapter is 
to be located, and should be in this or similar 
form: 

This is to certify that the names attached to the within 



* A.O. , Anno Ordinis— Year of the Order. To find this date sub- 
tract 1778 from the present year. 



16 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

petition are in their own proper handwriting, and are 
known or avouched to me as the {naming their relation- 
ship to members of the Masonic Order), all of whom have 
received the degrees of the Eastern Star. 

I therefore fraternally recommend granting the prayer 
of the petitioners. 

(Signed,) 



Master of Lodge, No , at. . . . 

The body when assembled is styled a " Chapter 
of the Order of the Eastern Star," which shall be 
composed of males and females, and must consist 
of not less than seven ladies, being the wives, 
mothers, widows, sisters or daughters of Master 
Masons in good standing. 

The officers of a Chapter shall consist of and 
be styled — 

1. Worthy Matron; 

2. Associate Matron; 

3. Treasurer; 

4. Secretary; 

5. Conductress; 

6. Associate Conductress; 

7. Warder; 

8. Sentinel; 

9. Adah ; 



directions, etc. 17 

10. Kuth; 

11. Esther ; 

12. Martha; 

13. Electa ; 

14. Worthy Patron, who must be a Master 
Mason and a contributing member of a Lodge, 
whose duty is to advise with the officers of the 
Chapter, and preside when the degrees are being 
conferred, and at no other time, unless at the 
request of the presiding Worthy Matron. 

Their stations are as follows: 1. Worthy Matron, 
in the East ; 2. Associate Matron, in the West ; 

3. Treasurer, at the right of the Matron, in front; 

4. Secretary, at the left of the Matron, in front; 

5. Conductress, in the South ; 6. Associate Con- 
ductress, in the North ; 7. Warder, at the door, 
inside, and at the right of the Associate Matron; 
8. Sentinel, at the door, outside; 9. Adah, on the 
first or Blue point of the Star; 10. Ruth, on the 
second or Yellow point; 11. Esther, on the third 
or White point; 12. Martha, on the fourth or 
Green point; Electa, on the fifth or Red point; 
14. Worthy Patron, in the East, at the left of the 
W. M., except when assisting in the ceremonies 
of the rite, when he presides, with the W. M. on 
the left. 



18 



ADOPTIVE RITE. 



A 

W. MATRON. 



A 
W. PATRON. 



A 
TREAS. 



A 

SEC 1 Y. 




ASSOCIATE MATRON. 

V 



WARDER. 

V 



A 

SENTINEL. 




THE OFFICERS 



will be distinguished by the jewel, of yellow metal, 
suspended from a ribbon, as follows : 

Worthy Matron and the Patron — Five-pointed 
Star, with Gravel in the center. 

Worthy Patron — Star, with Square and Com- 
pass in center. 

Associate Matron — Five-pointed Star, with a 
full Sun in the center. 

Treasurer — Five-pointed Star, with Cross-Keys 
in the center. 



iJO ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Secretary — Five-pointed Star, with Cross-Pens 
in the center. 

First Conductress — Five-pointed Star, with 
Scroll and Baton crossed in the center. 

Associate Conductress — Five-pointed Star, with 
Baton in the center. 

Warder — Five-pointed Star, with Dove in the 
center. 

Sentinel — Five-pointed Star, with Cross-Swords 
in the center. 

Adah — Triangle, with Sword and Vail engraved 
in the center. 

Ruth — Triangle, with Sheaf standing engraved 
in the center. 

Esther — Triangle, with Crown and Scepter en- 
graved in the center. 

Martha — Triangle, with Broken Column en- 
graved in the center. 

Electa — Triangle, with Cup engraved in the 
center. 

The appropriate colors of the degrees are — 
Blue for Jephthah's Daughter; Yel'ow tor Ruth; 
White for Esther ; Green for Martha ; Red for 
Electa. These are combined upon the official 
ribbon of the Rite. 

A Scarf of the five colors, three inches wide, 
with a rosette on the shoulder, breast, and at the 
crossing, worn from the right shoulder to the left 
side, is the distinctive regalia of the Order. 



DIRECTIONS, ETC. 



21 




MATRON AND PATRON. PAST MATRON. ASSOCIATE MATRON. 




22 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

The benefits of this Kite are mainly to the 
female sex. For them this temple has been 
reared, these walls set up. They are its crown 
and glory ; and its value consists in the spirit 
with which they enter into and conduct it, and 
the grace they throw around it. 

The female members of this Rite are styled 
Sisters ; male members, Brothers. 

The lawful recipients of the Adoptive Rite are 
such worthy females — being wives, mothers, 
widows, daughters, or sisters of affiliated Master 
Masons — as may be regularly proposed by one 
and recommended by another member of the 
Chapter, and unanimously elected by the mem- 
bers at a stated meeting of the Chapter. The 
petition must in all cases be referred to a com- 
mittee of three members for investigation, and 
lay over at least one regular meeting before bal- 
lot. The sister or daughter of a Mason, if un- 
married, must have attained the age of eighteen 
years to be eligible for initiation or membership. 

Master Masons, affiliated in regular Lodges, 
may be proposed by one or more members of the 
Chapter, and unanimously elected. 

The form of petition for the degrees and mem- 
bership from a lady is as follows : 



MEMBEKSHIP. 23 

To the Worthy Matron, Officers and Members of 

Chapter, JVb , of the Order of the Eastern Star : 

Your petitioner, the (wife, mother, widow, sister, or 

daughter) of Bro , of Lodge, No , 

solicits the light and privileges of the Order of the 
Eastern Star in your Chapter. 

If the prayer of her petition is granted, she pledges 
her honor that she will, in all respects, conform to the 
legal requirements of your Chapter, and be subject to the 
rules and regulations of the Supreme Grand Chapter. 
(Signed,) 

Recommended by 



The form of petition from a Master Mason is 
as follows : 

To the Worthy Matron, Officers and Members of ...... 

Chapter, JVo , of the Order of the Eastern Star : 

Your petitioner, a Master Mason, and a member in 

good standing in Lodge, No , held at , 

solicits the light and knowledge of the Eastern Star in 
your Chapter. 

If the prayer of his petition is granted, he pledges his 
honor as a Master Mason, that he will, in all respects, 
conform to the legal requirements of your Chapter, and 
be subject to the constitutional rules and regulations of 
the Supreme Grand Chapter of the Adoptive Rite. 
(Signed,) 



Vouched for by 



24 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

The Brother, if elected, will be required to 
pledge his honor as a Master Mason, in open 
Chapter, to conform to the rules and regulations 
of the Order. 

A sister or a brother demitted from one Chapter, 
and wishing to affiliate with another, will use the 
following form of petition : 

To the Worthy Matron, Officers and Sisters of 

Chapter, No. . , of the Adoptive Rite. 

The undersigned, late a member of Chapter, 

No. ... , as certified by the accompanying certificate of 
withdrawal, solicits affiliation with your Chapter. 

If this petition is granted, she (he) pledges her honor 
(his honor as a Mason) to conform, in all respects, to the 
3egal requirements of your Chapter. 
(Signed,) 



Recommended by 

The petition must be accompanied by a certifi- 
cate of withdrawal from the last Chapter of which 
the petitioner was a member, which may be ob- 
tained by a majority vote, and is in the following 
form : 

" We have seen his star in the East, 
And are come to worship him." 

To all Enlightened Members of the Order of the Eastern 
Star, wherever dispersed, this Certificate of With- 
drawal witnesseth: 



MEMBERSHIP. 25 

That Sister* , whose name appears in : 

the margin of this instrument, was initiated into ^ . : 

the light of Adoptive Rite in Chapter, g : 

No. . . ., (or affiliated therein,) hold en at , » : 

on the ... day of , 18 ?§ 

That during her connection with us, she has in all 
respects conformed to the legal requirements of this 
Chapter, and the constitutional rules and regulations of 
the Supreme Grand Chapter. 

That in her withdrawal she bears with her the love and 
esteem of the officers and members of this Chapter ; and 
we affectionately commend her to the friendship and pro- 
tection of all enlightened members of the Order wherever 
in the journey of life she may be found. 

, W. Patron. 

[Seal] , W. Matron. 

, Secretary. 

The membership of a Brother is forfeited : — 

1. By suspension, expulsion or dismission from the 
Masonic Lodge of which he was a member ; 

2. By suspension or expulsion from the Chapter. 
Restoration by, or affiliation with, a Lodge will 
remove the first cause; restoration by the Chapter 
will remove the second. 

The membership of a Sister is forfeited : — 
1. By absence from the sessions of the Chapter 



* Vary this form to suit a certificate for a Brother. 



26 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

for two years ; 2. By suspension, expulsion or 
dismission from the Chapter ; 3. By the suspen- 
sion, expulsion or dismission of the Brother 
through whom she was adopted upon her original 
petition : Provided, that if she can prove adoption 
through another Master Mason, affiliated and in 
good standing, the members of the Chapter are 
at liberty to substitute his name on the original 
petition. 

The membership of a Subordinate Chapter 
have original powers and authority for action in 
the following matters : 1. In all matters of dis- 
cipline involving inquiry into misconduct, and 
trial and punishment for the same. Provided, 
however, that in all cases an appeal to the Supreme 
Grand Chapter or to the Most Eminent Grand 
Patron shall be allowed ; 2. In all appropriations 
of the funds of the Chapter ; 3. In the free choice 
and selection of its own officers and members ; 
4. In the disposition of its own property, except 
its charter, books of record and accounts, and 
rituals. These of right belong to the Supreme 
Grand Chapter. 

All Chapters under the jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Grand Chapter must make returns annually 
of its work, viz: number initiated, affiliated, with- 
drawn, suspended, expelled and died, until a State 
Grand Chapter shall be organized, when that 



THE LANDMARKS. 27 

Grand body will assume authority over all Sub- 
ordinate Chapters within its jurisdiction. 

THE LANDMARKS. 

1. The Eastern Star is the basis of the five 
Degrees of the Adoptive Kite ; the name and 
character of the Rite are unchangeable. 

2. Its lessons are Scriptural, its teachings are 
moral, and its purposes are beneficent. 

3. Its obligations are based upon the honor of 
the female sex who obtain its ceremonies, and are 
framed upon the principle that whatever benefits 
are due by the Masonic Fraternity to the wives,, 
widows, daughters and sisters of Masons, corre- 
sponding benefits are due from them to the 
Brotherhood. 

4. A belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, 
who will, sooner or later, punish the willful viola- 
tion of a solemn pledge. 

5. The modes of recognition, which are the pecu- 
liar secrets of the Kite, cannot, without destroy- 
ing the foundation of the system, be changed. 

6. That a covenant of secrecy voluntarily as- 
sumed is perpetual ; from the force of such obli- 
gation there is no possibility of release. 

7. The control of the Rite lies in a central head, 
styled the Supreme Council or Grand Chapter of 



28 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

the Adoptive Rite, or in the prerogatives of the 
Supreme Grand Patron, when the Supreme Grand 
Chapter is not in session. 

8. That the ballot for candidates for member- 
ship must be unanimous, and is to be kept 
inviolably secret. 

9. The right of every Chapter to be the judge 
of who shall be admitted to its membership, and 
to select its own officers ; but in no case can the 
ceremonies of the Order be conferred unless a 
Master Mason in good standing in the Masonic 
Fraternity presides 

10 Every member is amenable to the laws and 
regulations of the Order, and may be tried for 
offenses, though she may permanently or tempo- 
rarily reside within the jurisdiction of another 
Chapter. 

11. The right of every Sister to appeal from the 
decision of a Subordinate Chapter to the Supreme 
Council or Grand Chapter, or to the Supreme or 
Grand Patron. 

12. The prerogative of the Supreme or Grand 
Patron to preside over every assembly of the Rite 
wherever he may visit, and to grant Dispensa- 
tions for the formation of new Chapters. 

13. That every Chapter has the right to dis- 
pense the light of the Adoptive Rite and to ad- 
minister its own private affairs. 



PRELIMINARIES TO OPENING THE CHAPTER. 29 

14. Every Chapter should elect and install it's 
officers annually. 

15. The right of every Sister to visit and sit in 
every regular Chapter, except when such visitor 
is likely to disturb the harmony or interrupt the 
progress of the Chapter she proposes to visit. 

PRELIMINARIES TO OPENING THE CHAPTER. 

Those precautionary measures which form so 
prominent a feature in all secret affiliated systems, 
whereby they are enabled to detect impostors and 
reject them from their assemblies, are of the 
highest importance in the Adoptive Eite, in view 
of the peculiar intimacy between the sexes which 
constitute the prime feature and aim of this 
society. This intimacy is, in itself, calculated to 
furnish the world with a subject for slanderous 
imputations ; and it will infallibly render any 
negligence allowed, though apparently slight and 
unimportant, serious in its consequences. 

The officers of the Chapter are, therefore, en- 
joined by every principle of prudence and self- 
preservation, to study critically the most thorough 
measures of precaution; to exercise extraordinary 
vigilance in purging the assemblies ; and to allow 
neither fear nor favor to bias them in the admis- 
sion of unworthy or unenlightened visitors. Not 



30 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

only will the honor of the Order suffer by any re- 
laxation in these particulars, but wounds not easily 
healed may be inflicted upon the peace and hap- 
piness of those amiable ladies who honor the 
institution with their association. 

The meetings of the Chapter are Regular or 
Special. 

The Regular meetings are those enjoined by the 
By-Laws, and may be held weekly, semi-monthly 
or monthly, at the choice of the members express- 
ed in the By-Laws. 

The Special meetings are those summoned at 
the will of the Worthy Matron, or, in her absence, 
by the Associate Matron, upon any emergency 
apparent to her. 

No meeting, either Regular or Special, is law- 
fully held unless the Charter is present. 

No business is proper at a Special meeting 
except such as is stated in the call. 

Only those who have received all the light of 
the Order can be present at the opening of the 
Chapter. 

The place of meeting may be in a hall or private 
apartment. It must be sufficiently secluded to 
insure secrecy. A contiguous apartment for the 
preparation of candidates, the reception of 
visitors, etc., is essential. 

A meeting of the Chapter, for any business ex- 



OPENING CEREMONIES. 31 

cept conferring degrees, may be opened and held 
by seven members, the Worthy Matron or Asso- 
ciate Matron being one. The number essential 
to confer the degrees must be at least nine, of 
which the Worthy Patron shall be one. 

The paraphernalia necessary to the meeting of 
the Chapter are one or more small Bibles, the 
Charter, By-Laws, Seal, a Signet, for a complete 
explanation of the degrees, a Flooring, consisting 
of a five-pointed Star, painted with the proper 
colors, in the center of which will stand the altar, 
with an open Bible thereon, and gavels for the 
use of the Matron and Associate Matron. When 
the degrees are conferred, a vail for the Candi- 
date, sword and vail for Jephthah's Daughter, 
culms of barley (artificial) for Buth, crown and 
scepter for Esther, broken column for Martha, 
and cup for Electa. 

Small banners for Truth, Faith, Wisdom, and 
Charity if desired, Salt, Bread, Napkin, Salver, etc. 

When balloting for Candidates, which must be 
secret, the ballot box may be passed round the 
room or placed upon the altar. 

OPENING CEREMONIES. 

The hour specified in the By-Laws (or indicated in the 
summons, when the meeting is a special one) for opening 
the Chapter having arrived, the furniture and parapher- 



32 



ADOPTIVE RITE. 



nalia of the Chapter being in place, the members assem- 
bled, the officers, except the Patron and Associate Con- 
ductress, will retire to the inner ante-room ; the Patron 
ascends the dais, in the East,* gives one blow with the 
Gavel, which is the signal for attention, and requests the 
Associate Conductress to invite the Worthy Matron and 
other officers to enter the Chapter room. This request is 
obeyed ; they enter in two lines, the Conductress and 
Associate Conductress leading, and passing to the right 
and left, bring the Matron and Associate Matron to the 
center, as in the following diagram : 



A. Cond. * 
Tkeas. * 



* COND. 

* Sec. 




* Ward. 

* A. M. 

As the officers enter, the Chapter is called up. The 
Patron invites the Matron to the East (the Conductress 
and Associate Conductress acting as escorts), and presents 
her the Gavel, when she says : 

W. M. The Officers will resume their several 
stations and prepare for the active duties of the 
Chapter. 



* That end of the apartment which is occupied hy the Presiding 
Officer is termed the East. During the entrance of the officers, good 
effect may be produced by the use of music. 



OPENING CEREMONIES. 33 

They do so. The Sentinel closes the door and sees 
that the ante-rooms are secure. When all is in readiness 
the W. Matron will say : 

W. M. Sisters, Brothers and Visitors of 

Chapter, No , Order of the Eastern Star, the 

hour has arrived for us to resume our labors. 
To open our Chapter in a manner that will insure 
the solemnity of our work, and to secure the best 
results, I must require your uninterrupted atten- 
tion and assistance. Sister Associate Matron,* 
ascertain whether all present 'are members of the 
Order of the Eastern Star, or entitled to be 
present. 

A. M. Sister Conductress, ascertain and report 
if all present are members of the Order of the 
Eastern Star, or entitled to be present. 

The Conductress and Associate Conductress will use 
the customary means of examination, by passing around 
the room, if necessary, to question those with whom they 
are not personally acquainted. When fully satisfied, they 
resume their stations, and the Conductress replies : 

Cond. Sister Associate Matron, all sisters pres- 
ent are members of the Order of the Eastern 
Star, and entitled to be present. 

A. M. "Worthy Matron, all sisters present are 



* As each officer is addressed by the W. M., she rises without fur- 
ther signal, and remains standing during the ceremonies of opening. 



34 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

members of the Order of the Eastern Star, and 
entitled to be present. 

The Patron will assure himself that the gentlemen 
present are entitled to seats in the Chapter, and so an- 
nounce the fact to the W. M. If there should be any- 
Master Masons present who have not been obligated, that 
ceremony should be performed immediately after the 
Chapter shall be declared open. 

W. M. It is well. In behalf of the Chapter, I 
extend a hearty welcome to all. Sister "Warder, 
you will instruct the' Sentinel that we are engaged 
in the solemn ceremonies of opening our Chapter, 
and direct (her)* him to permit no interruption 
to be made while we are thus engaged. 

The Warder opens the door and repeats the directions 
of the W. M. She then closes the door and says : 

W. Worthy Matron, no interruption will be 
made from without. 

W. 31. Sister Associate Matron, wdiat number 
of officers constitute a Chapter of the Order of 
the Eastern Star when complete, and what titles 
do they bear? 

A. M. A complete Chapter requires fourteen, 
and their titles are: Worthy Matron, Worthy 
Patron, Associate Matron, Treasurer, Secretary, 



* The Sentinel may, at the option of the Chapter, be a Sister or 
Brother ; the latter is preferable. 



OPENING CEEEMONIES. 35 

Conductress, Associate Conductress, "Warder, Sen- 
tinel, Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa. 

W. M. Where is our Sentinel stationed ? 

A. M. Outside the closed door. 

W. M. What are his duties? and explain his 
badge of office. 

A. M. To protect the Chapter against the intro- 
duction of improper persons. His badge of 
office, the Cross-swords within the star, emblems 
of protection, admonishes him that upon his 
watchful care depends our security against inter- 
ruption, without which the solemnity of our 
proceedings would be destroyed and all secrecy 
lost. 

W. M. Where is our Warder stationed ? 

A. M. At the Southwest entrance of the Chap- 
ter, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. What are your duties, Sister Warder ? 
and explain your badge of office. 

W. To act in conjunction with the Sentinel in 
protecting the Chapter from the intrusion of im- 
proper persons. My badge of office, the Dove 
within the star, an emblem of peace, admonishes 
me that a state of harmony and serenity becomes 
all our proceedings, and that I should use my 
utmost endeavors to promote it. 

W. M. Where is the Associate Conductress 
stationed ? 



36 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

W. In the North, Worthy Matron. 

W M. What are jour duties, Sister Associate 
Conductress? and explain your badge of office. 

A. C. To receive and prepare candidates for 
initiation, and to assist the Conductress in the 
active duties of the Chapter. My badge of office, 
the Baton within the star, an emblem of direction, 
admonishes me that good discipline is essential 
to the success of our society. My own attention 
to the directions of my superior officers will be 
the measure of respect which others will pay 
to me. 

W. M. Where is our Conductress stationed ? 

A. C. In the South, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. What are your duties, Sister Conduc- 
tress ? and explain your badge of office. 

C. To ascertain if all persons are entitled to be 
present at the opening of the Chapter, and to 
conduct candidates during their initiation. My 
badge of office, the Scroll and Baton, emblems of 
prepared plans and their fulfillment, admonishes 
me that the first impressions made upon a candi- 
date, when entering our Chapter, are permanent, 
and should be for good ; and that it depends 
greatly upon the manner of conducting her 
through the mazy labyrinth of our rite, to make 
those impressions lasting and what we desire they 
should be. 



OPENING CEEEMONIES. 37 

W. M. Where is our Secretary stationed ? 

C. In the Southeast, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. What are your duties, Sister Secretary ? 
and explain your badge of office. 

Sec. To carefully observe the proceedings of 
the Chapter ; to record that which is proper to 
be written ; to receive all moneys due the Chap- 
ter and pay the same to the Treasurer, taking 
her receipt therefor. My badge of office, the 
Cross-pens within the star, emblems of power and 
intelligence, admonishes me that as a faithful 
record is kept by an invisible pen of all our 
thoughts and actions, so I must be faithful to 
my trust, that the good deeds of my companions 
may not go unrecorded, and that the moneys in- 
trusted to my hands shall have proper record and 
direction. 

W. M. Where is our Treasurer stationed ? 

Sec. In the Northeast, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. What are your duties, Sister Treasurer ? 
and explain your badge of office. 

Treas. To receive all moneys from the Secre- 
tary, giving her a receipt therefor, and pay them 
out only upon an order signed by the Worthy 
Matron and Secretary. My badge of office, the 
Cross-keys within the star, emblems »of security, 
admonishes me to the strictest fidelity in the 
preservation and disbursement of the funds in- 



38 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

trusted to my keeping. The relief of the dis- 
tressed, and the necessary expenses of our Chap- 
ter would be forfeited by a violation of the sacred 
obligations assumed by me 

W. 31. Where is Adah stationed ? 

Treas. At the first point of the Star, Worthy 
Matron. 

W. 31. Sister Adah, communicate to us the 
duties of your station, and explain the color and 
emblems appropriate to the blue point of our 
central Star. 

Adah. To make known to all proper inquirers 
the light, knowledge, and beauty of the blue ray, 
which represents the clearness of the sky, when 
all clouds have vanished, and symbolizes chastity, 
loyalty, fidelity, and a spotless reputation. My 
emblems are the Sword and Vail, emblematic of 
the heroic conduct of Jephthah's Daughter, whom 
I represent. 

W. 31 Where is Kuth stationed ? 

Adah. At the second point of the Star, Worthy 
Matron. 

W. M. Sister Ruth, communicate to us the 
duties of your station, and explain the color and 
emblem appropriate to the yellow point of our 
central Star. 

Ruth. To make known to all proper inquirers 
the light, knowledge, and beauty of the yellow ray, 



OPENING CEREMONIES. 39 

which symbolizes constancy, purity, and the 
lustre of great brightness. My badge, the Sheaf, 
is an emblem of plenty, which being composed of 
distinct and minute parts, is gathered together 
by patient industry. Such was the generous 
labor of the humble gleaner Ruth, whom I rep- 
resent. 

W. M. Where is Esther stationed ? 

Ruth. At the third point of the Star, Worthy 
Matron. 

W. M. Sister Esther, communicate to us the 
duties of your station, and explain the color and 
emblems appropriate to the white point of our 
Central Star. 

Esther. To make known to all proper inquirers 
the light, knowledge, and beauty of the white ray, 
which symbolizes light, purity, and joy. My 
badge, the Crown and Scepter united, is an 
emblem of royalty and power. In the exercise of 
high authority, we should be governed by the 
purest principles of justice and moderation It 
was by the practice of these attributes that Esther, 
whom I represent, saved her people from ex- 
tirpation. 

W. M. Where is Martha stationed ? 

Esther. At the fourth point of the Star, Worthy 
Matron. 

W. M. Sister Martha, communicate to us the 



40 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

duties of your station, and explain the color and 
emblem appropriate to the green point of our 
central Star. 

Martha. To make known to all proper inquirers 
the light, knowledge, and beauty of the green 
ray, the purity and freshness of which are em- 
blems of delight — the beauties of nature — symbol- 
izing hope and immortality. My badge, the 
Broken Column, is typical of the death of a human 
being, cut off in the vigor of manhood, and ex- 
presses the sisterly grief of Martha, whom I 
represent. 

W. M. Where is Electa stationed ? 

Martha. At the fifth point of the Star, Worthy 
Matron. 

W. M. Sister Electa, communicate to us the 
duties of your station, and explain the color and 
emblem appropriate to the red point of our 
central Star. 

Electa. To make known to all proper inquirers 
the light, knowledge, and beauty of the red ray, 
symbolically representing ardor and zeal, which 
should actuate all who are engaged in the holy 
cause of benevolence. My badge, the Cup, is an 
emblem of the bitter draught, of which we are 
constantly partaking through life ; but, however 
distasteful, will, in the end, overflow with bless- 
ings, rich, abounding, and eternal. 



OPENING CEREMONIES. 41 

W. 31. Where is our Associate Matron stationed ? 

Electa. In the West, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. What are your duties, Sister Associate 
Matron ? and explain your badge of office. 

A. M. To assist the Worthy Matron in the dis- 
charge of her duties, and to preside during her 
absence. My badge of office, the Eefulgent Sun 
within the star, an emblem of brightness, admon- 
ishes me to assist the Worthy Matron, by my 
counsel, as the rising sun enlightens the day, 
being ever ready to assume her station, should 
she be absent. 

W. M. Where is the Worthy Matron stationed? 

A. M. In the East, Worthy Matron. 

W M. Explain her duties, responsibilities, and 
badge of office. 

A. 31. To preside over the deliberations, and 
see that the purposes of the Chapter are properly 
cpnducted. Her badge of office, the Gavel with- 
in the star, the highest emblem of authority, 
admonishes her that upon her judgment and dis- 
cretion rests the government of this Chapter, and 
the prosperity of our beautiful Order in this 
place. Her responsibilities to God for the faith- 
ful discharge of her duties in this Chapter, and to 
her Sisters for the dissemination of light and 
knowledge, should ever prompt her to do her 
work in a spirit of faith and prayer. 



42 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

W. M. It is in this spirit that I propose to open 
our Chapter, and perform whatever duties may- 
devolve upon me ; and that we may have the 
needed grace to do our work well, let us pray. 

The W. Matron calls up the Chapter with two raps of 
the Gavel, when the Patron offers the following 



PRAYER. 

O Lord of all mercies and blessings! com- 
mend us, we beseech Thee at this time, in taking 
upon ourselves the work of extending the reign 
of peace and love upon earth. Grant us, first, 
a willing mind which Thou wilt accept according 
to that which we have ; and then, such ability 
from Thy hand that we may add honors to the 
noble cause we have here espoused. Bless our 
humble labors to the promotion of truth and 
love, unity and peace. Make all grace to abound 
toward us. Enrich us in everything to all bounti- 
fulness, that, through us, there may be thanks- 
giving unto Thee, our God. Amen. 

W. M. You have all spoken well, my Sisters, and 
given utterance to noble sentiments. The pleasing 
thoughts, so beautifully expressed, are embodied 
in our Opening Hymn, in which I request you all 
to join. 



OPENING CEREMONIES. 

While standing, all will join in singing the 
OPENING ODE. 

AIR — " One day nearer Home" 
Words by Bro, Robt. Morris. Ar. by Bro. Henbt Tu< 



43 



1 . lte - gin the work of praise,The joys of song be- 




WW _ w_ w- — — 

ill. The gleaming light, the gniding light, The 



light that shines a - far: It yields a radiance 

m- -m. m- ■*- • **?-]* 



44 ADOPTIVE RITE. 



Ppiip^PPi 



pure and bright, The beautiful, beau - ti - ful Star. 

-. — L^3^ 1^ ^ 1^ 



I — r— r 

It tells of deathless Love, 
And Faith and Hope sublime ; 

It lifts the soul above 
All things of time. 

Cho. — The gleaming light, etc. 

Then let the song of praise 

Our evening tasks begin ; 
And bid the mystical rays 

To enter in. 

Cho. — The gleaming light, etc. 

At the conclusion of the singing the Matron says : 
W. M. In the name of the departed heroines 
whose virtues we should strive to emulate; in the 
name of our great Sisterhood, knit together in 
bonds of charity and sincere friendship, and in 
the name of our Heavenly Father, who hath as- 
sured us that He loveth a cheerful giver, I de- 
clare .... Chapter, No .... , Order of the Eastern 
Star, open and in due order for the dispatch of 
business. Si star Warder, you will so instruct 
the Sentinel. Sister Associate Conductress, at- 
tend at the Altar. 

The Warder informs the Sentinel that the Chapter is 
open ; the Associate Conductress opens the Bible on the 
altar ; the W. Matron calls the Chapter to order, and the 
business of the meeting proceeds. 



CLOSING CEREMONIES. 45 

CLOSING CEEEMONIES. 

The business of the Chapter being completed, the 
Worthy Matron proceeds as follows : 

W. M. Sister Associate Matron, does any work 
of charity or benevolence remain unperformed ? 

A. M. None, Worthy Matron, within my knowl- 
edge. 

W. M. Then, Sister Warder, you will instruct 
the Sentinel that we are about to close this 
Chapter, and to permit no interruption to be 
made while we are thus engaged. 
The Warder instructs the Sentinel, and then says: 

W. Worthy Matron, no interruption will be 
made from without. 

W. M. It is well. Sisters and Brethren, unite 
with us in singing our Closing Ode. 

The W. M. calls up the Chapter, when all participate 
in singing the 

CLOSING ODE. 

AIR — " Home, sweet Home" 
Words by Bro- Robt. Mobeis. Ar. by Bio. Heney Tookeb. 

Chorus or Duett . . 



The Star we have followed now sinks in the 



46 



ADOPTIVE RITE. 



west, But leaves in our hearts all its mem-o-ries 




mm^e^m 



blest, As spring yields to snm-mer, yet fades not its 

.,-. •£- + 



, 


-*rJP* 


-s 


— »-^— H 




fl 




bloom : 


— 8 — 1 — « 

i 
So bear 


we 


these mem 


- 


ries . 




" 


^N 




=*=*= 


-2 




N 



joy - ful-lyhorae. Home.home,sweet,sweethome,We 

* >7 




47 



When called from earth's labor to lands far away, 
Where sorrow is pleasure and darkness is day, 
May all now departing in harmony come, 
And bloom in God's presence with angels at home. 
Home, home, sweet, sweet home ! 
We praise Thee, our Father, who giveth a home ! 



At the conclusion of the singing, the Matron says: 

W. M. Sisters and Brethren, we go forth into 
the world, not knowing the things that shall meet 
us there, save that troubles and trials everywhere 
abound in the labyrinth of human life. Let us 
never be dismayed, for our Heavenly Father has 
promised to strengthen us, to help us, and to up- 
hold us with the right hand of His power. 

Farewell ! 



All reply, Farewell ! 



INITIATION. 

The applicant for the light and privileges of the Order 
of the Eastern Star, having been elected to receive the 
degrees and be admitted to membership in the Chapter, 
having been notified by the Secretary, will present her- 
self at the place of meeting, at her early convenience, and 
remain in the ante-room. The order " Initiation " having 
been reached, the W. Matron will say : 

W. M. Sister Associate Conductress, you will 



48 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

retire and ascertain if there are any candidates 
in waiting, and report to the Worthy Patron. 

The A. C. retires, and finding a candidate in the ante- 
room, ascertains her name, returns to the Chapter room, 
and says : 

A. C. "Worthy Patron, I find (naming the per- 
son or persons)* present and desirous of being 
initiated into our Order. 

The W. M. will now present the Gavel to the Patron, 
who takes charge of the Chapter, and turning to the Sec- 
retary, says : 

W. P. Sister Secretary, has the petition of this 
(these) candidate been received in open Chapter, 
and has she been regularly elected to receive the 
degrees of the Order ? 

Sec. Sne (they) has. 

W. P. Then, Sister Associate Conductress, you 
will again retire, and propound to the candidate 
the necessary questions, and, if satisfactorily an- 
swered, prepare her for the ceremonies of initia- 
tion, and, when so prepared, make the usual alarm 
at the door of the preparation-room. 

The A. C. retires, and says to the candidate : 

A. G. Do you still entertain the desire ex- 



* If there is more than one candidate, all the questions, etc., must 
be varied to suit the case. 



INITIATION. 49 

pressed in your petition, to receive the light and 
privileges of the Order of the Eastern Star ? 

Cand. I do. 

A. C. It is well. Your request shall be com- 
plied with. 

The A. C, taking the candidate into the preparation- 
room, will say : 

A. G. My friend, human life is a labyrinth 
through which we all wander blindly, and too 
often, alas, in ignorance. It is good to have a 
friend by our side and a friendly hand that can 
guide us with infallible certainty and safety 
through its intricate mazes. Permit me, there- 
fore, for a time, to act as your guide, and to 
prepare you for the ceremonies of our Order. 

The A. C. then prepares the candidate, by removing 
her hat, gloves, cloak or shawl, and jewelry, so that she 
will appear plainly dressed. A thin white vail is thrown 
over her head and face, and she is led to the inner door 
of the Chapter, where the A. C. gives ***** distinct raps. 
The Conductress, rising in her station, says : 

Cond. "Worthy Patron, there is an alarm at the 
door of the preparation-room. 

W. P. Sister Conductress, ascertain the cause 
of the alarm, and ask the necessary questions. 

The Conductress goes to the door, gives five distinct 
knocks, opens the door, and says : 

Cond. Who knocks at the door of our Chapter? 



50 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

A. G The Associate Conductress, with a candi- 
date who desires to be initiated into our Order. 

Gond. Has the candidate made satisfactory an- 
swers to the necessary questions ? 

A. G She has. 

Gond. Is she properly prepared ? 

A. G She is. 

Gond. (To the candidate.) My friend, have you 
well considered the request you make ? 

Cand. I have. 

Gond Are you prepared to undergo the neces- 
sary trials and assume our obligation of secrecy? 

Gand. I am. 

Gond. Are you also prepared faithfully to per- 
form the duties and to accept the responsibilities 
of a Sister of the Eastern Star ? 

Gand. I am. 

Gond. Learn then the first lesson of a peti- 
tioner. Be patient, and wait. 

The Conductress closes the door, turns to the Patron, 
and says : 

Gond. Worthy Patron, the alarm was caused by 
the Associate Conductress with the candidate, who 
desires to be initiated into our Order. 

W. P. Has she made satisfactory answers to 
the necessary questions ? 

Gond. She has. 

W. P. Then you will admit her. 



INITIATION. 51 

The Conductress, opening the door, says : 

Cond. Orders have been transmitted t o me by 
our Worthy Patron, that this candidate be ad- 
mitted into our Chapter, we haying entire confi- 
dence in her integrity and fidelity. Enter, dear 
friend, for we are prepared to give you a hearty 
welcome. 

As the candidate crosses the threshold, the Conduc- 
tress takes her by the left arm and conducts her around 
the room, outside of the star, slow soft music being 
played. "While making the circuit of the star, the Con- 
ductress will recite the following, or an Ode may be 
sung: 

Cond. You have, doubtless, well considered the 
step you have taken in entering this Order. — It 
is dedicated to Charity, Truth, and Loving Kind- 
ness. — You come here of your own free choice. 
Complain not, therefore, at any trial. —A seal is 
set upon your lips. — Let it warn yon to be ever 
silent and secret as to all that may befall you or 
be made known to you here. — Be not weary in 
well doing.— Woe unto those who seek to take 
upon themselves burdens which they are unable 
to bear ! — Woe unto the faithless and insincere, 
who assume their obligations lightly, and forth- 
with forget them. — Trust in the Lord with all 
your heart, and lean not unto your own under- 



62 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

standing. — In all your ways acknowledge Him, 
and He will direct your paths. 

The Conductress and candidate having made the cir- 
cuit, and reached the West, the Conductress will say : 

Cond. Sister Associate Matron, I have the 
pleasure of introducing (naming the person), to be 
presented by you to the Worthy Patron. She 
declares herself prepared to assume our obliga- 
tion of secrecy, and faithfully to perform the 
duties of a Sister of the Order of the Eastern Star. 

A. M. My friend, you are heartily welcome. 
Sister Conductress, cause the candidate to face 
the East. 

The candidate is placed in position, facing the East, 
when the Associate Matron will say : 

Assoc. Matron. Worthy Patron, I have the honor 
to introduce to you (naming the Candidate and the 
particular relation in which she stands to the Fra- 
ternity), whose petition has been approved by this 
Chapter; who now declares herself ready to enter 
upon the good work in which we are engaged, and 
to pledge her honor in our Covenant of Adoption 
for the faithful discharge of all its duties. 

The Worthy Patron rises and addresses the Candidate. 

W. P. It is with great pleasure that I welcome 
you into this Chapter. The recommendations 
you bring have convinced us that you are a 



INITIATION. 53 

proper subject for the light of the Order of the 
Eastern Star. We trust that the lessons taught 
here will both please and instruct you. The ob- 
jects for which we are associated together are to 
comfort, protect and aid each other in our jour- 
ney through the labyrinth of human life, and to 
make its various hardships lighter by means of 
cheerful companionship and social pleasures. We 
are willing you should join us in this pleasing 
work. We are in possession of certain secrets, 
by means of which we recognize each other 
wherever we may meet. We are willing to make 
you acquainted with these secrets, that you, too, 
may be recognized as a member of this society. 
We are governed by a Supreme Grand Chapter, 
which makes our laws and regulations uniform 
with those of all other Subordinate Chapters of 
this Order, and by a form of by-laws framed by 
ourselves. We are bound to obey these laws, 
regulations and by-laws while we remain mem- 
bers of the society. In this obedience we shall 
expect you to share. 

It becomes, then, my pleasing duty, as the rep- 
resentative of the highest responsible officer of 
this Chapter, to explain to you the nature of the 
Covenant of Adoption. It is the solemn pledge 
which you must give to this assembly before you 
can participate in the labors or enjoy the privi- 



54 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

leges of the Order. But we do not wish, nor 
would we permit you to assume this pledge save 
with your own consent, and with a full under- 
standing of what is implied by it. If, after the 
Covenant is rehearsed, you should be unwilling 
to bind yourself thus solemnly, you may, without 
impediment or offense, retire from this place 
It is as follows, and to all its parts we require 
your decided and unequivocal assent. 

A small Bible is placed in the hands of the Candidate 
in the following manner : The hands are tightly clasped 
around it; the back of the book presented forward, and 
as high as the center of the breast ; the fingers interlacing 
each other ; the thumbs pressing each other across upon 
the breast and upon the edges of the cover. Being thus 
prepared, the Patron will repeat the Covenant of Adop- 
tion. The Chaplain is called up. 



n 



W. P. You will carefully preserve in sacred and 
inviolable secrecy, and under no circumstances 
improperly divulge any of the ceremonies, signs or 
passes belonging to the Order of the Eastern Star. 

You will cheerfully obey the constitution and 
all the rules and regulations of the Supreme 
Grand Chapter and the by-laws of the Chapter 
of which you may be a member. 

You will, so far as in your power, liberally dis- 



INITIATION. 55 

pense to your Sisters advice in their troubles, 
sympathy in their sorrows, and aid in their mis- 
fortunes. 

You will cautiously avoid speaking evil of your 
sisters, or performing any acts of injustice or un- 
kindness toward them. 

Do you to all these pledges covenant your 
honor as a woman ? 

Cand. I do. 

W. P. It is well. We accept the pledge you 
make us. We share with you in this Cove- 
nant and do now accept you into our band. You 
will now be conducted through the labyrinth of 
the Eastern Star. At the various points you will 
, receive instructions in the characteristics of the 
Order. 

Sister Conductress, you will now remove the 
vail from the eyes of our newly adopted Sister. 

The vail is removed and Bible taken from the hand of 
Candidate. The Patron returns to the dais, and says : 

W. P. You will carefully observe whatever 
passes under your notice, and let the impressive 
lessons taught in the degrees through which you 
are now to be inducted sink deeply into your 
heart. 



56 



ADOPTIVE RITE. 



The Candidate is then conducted, making a circuit 
around the altar, to the first point of the Star, where will 
be found Adah, who represents the devoted daughter of 
Jephthah. 

Cond. Sister Adah, at the request of the Wor- 
thy Patron, I introduce to you our worthy Sister, 
who, having been inducted into the Order by the 
Covenant of Adoption, is to be bj r you instructed 
in the binding force of a vow, as illustrated in 
the history of Jephthah's Daughter. 

Adah. His request shall be complied with. 




Jephthah was the ninth judge and one of the 
mightiest men of Israel. Being called upon in 



INITIATION. 57 

the extremity of his country's trials to go at the 
head of its armies and resist the fierce attacks of 
the Ammonites, its enemies, he prepared his 
household for a campaign that would perhaps cost 
him his life, and then committed himself to the 
care of God in solemn prayer. And Jephthah 
vowed a yow unto the Lord, and said, "If thou 
shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon 
into mine hands, then it shall be that whatsoever 
cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet 
me, when I return in peace from the children of 
Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will 
offer it up for a burnt offering." Jephthah went 
forth to battle, the victory was gained, and 
the warrior returned to Mizpeh, exulting in his 
success. God had redeemed his people. The 
thanks and praises of a grateful nation were 
showered upon his track. The warrior-father 
hastened home to enjoy the congratulations of 
his neighbors, and still more of his daughter, his 
only child. Arrived upon the hill which over- 
looked his dwelling, he halted. The Lord had 
"without fail delivered the children of Ammon 
into his hands," he had returned in peace to his 
home, and whatsoever " came forth of the doors 
of his house to meet him, must be the Lord's to 
be offered up for a burnt offering." The door 
of his house opened, and " behold, his daughter 



58 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

came out to meet him with timbrels and with 
dances." Jephthah, when he saw her, rent his 
clothes and in the anguish of his heart cried 
aloud, "Alas, my daughter, thou hast brought 
me very low. I have opened my mouth unto the 
Lord, and I cannot go back." Adah casting aside 
the instruments of rejoicing, and with due solem- 
nity, answered, " My father, if thou hast opened 
thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me according to 
that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth." 
She had but one request to make and then she 
wa3 ready for the sacrifice. She asked that she 
might go among the mountains for two months, 
and there, with her young friends, prepare her 
mind to meet in calmness and resignation her 
impending doom. The request was granted, and 
during two revolving moons the heroic woman 
joined in the lamentations and devotions of her 
friends. 

When the two months had expired, and the 
day arrived which was to bring this sad affair to 
a close, a vast multitude gathered together to 
witness the event. Precisely as the sun came on 
the meridian she was seen, followed by a long 
train of her friends, winding their way down the 
mountain's side, to the fatal spot where the altar 
was erected, and her father with an almost broken 
heart was standing, prepared to fulfill his vow. 



INITIATION. 59 

She approached him and with one long kiss of 
affection bade him farewell. Taking hold of the 
thick mourning vail which she wore, he drew it 
gently over her face and drew his sword. But 
she rapidly unvailed herself, and said she needed 
not to have her face covered, for she was not afraid 
to die. Her father replied that he could not 
strike the blow while she looked upon him, and 
again cast it over her. She threw it off the second 
time, and turning from him said she would look 
up to the heavens, so that his hand should not be 
unnerved by the sight of her face, but that she 
would not consent to die in the dark. A third time, 
however, he insisted, and a third time she as 
resolutely cast it off, this time holding the ends 
of it firmly in her hands, and then in the hearing 
of the multitude she solemnly declared that if 
this ceremony was insisted upon she would claim 
the protection of the law and refuse the fate that 
otherwise she was willing to endure. She said it 
was the practice to cover the faces of murderers 
and criminals when they were about to be put 
to death, but she was no criminal, and died 
only to redeem her father's honor. Again she 
averred that she would cast her eyes upward upon 
the source of Light, and in that position she 
invited the fatal blow. It fell. Her gentle spirit 
mounted to the heavens upon which her last gaze 



60 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

had been fixed, and so the deed was consummated 
which has rendered the name of Jephthah's 
Daughter forever famous in the annals of 
Scripture. 

The sign of the degree is . 

The pass is . 

The color appropriate to the degree is Blue, 
which we symbolize by the azure and hazy atmos- 
phere that enveloped the mountains of Judea, in 
whose caves and solitude Jephthah's daughter 
dwelt, with her companions, two months while 
preparing for death. It also symbolizes fidelity, 
and should teach us to be faithful to all our 
obligations. 

The emblems are the Sword and Vail. By the 
sword in the hands of the father was the daughter 
slain. The vail alludes to the firmness with which 
Adah adhered to her determination to die in the 
light, suffering no stain to rest upon her memory 
after death. 

You will now conduct our Sister to the second 
point of the Star for further instruction. 

The Conductress proceeds with the Candidate to the 
second point of the Star, by passing to the left of the 
altar, where will be found Ruth, during which the fol- 
lowing Ode may be sung : 



INITIATION. 61 

ODE. 

TEIJBUTE TO JEPHTHAH'S DAUGHTER. 
See 'midst the multitude the Victim stands ! 

Dauntless, serene, though terror palsies them ! 
And she must die by her own father's hand ! 

And she must die a sacrifice of shame ! 
Of shame ? ah, no ! she flings the vail abroad, 
Once, twice, yea thrice ; looks hopefully to God ; 
Fixes the noonday sun with earnest eyes, 
Then crowned with innocence, the Maiden dies ! 

Lament for Jephthah, ye who know his fate, 

Weep and lament ; " Broken the beautiful rod, 
And the strong staff ; Mizpeh is desolate ! " 

But for sweet Adah weep not ; let the word 
Be : " Joy to the Captive, freed from earthly dust, 
Joy for one witness more to woman's trust, 
And lasting honor, Mizpeh, be the strain 
To her who deed EST light without a stain ! " 

Cond. Sister Ruth, at the request of the "Worthy 
Patron, I introduce to you our worthy Sister, to 
be instructed in the devotional respect due to 
religious principles, as illustrated in the history 
of Ruth. 

Ruth. His request shall be complied with. 

Ruth was of the nation of Moab, an idola- 
trous people. She married a man named Mahlon, 
formerly a native of Bethlehem, who had taken 
up his residence in the land of Moab, where he 



62 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

died. He was a worshiper of God, and by his 
pious example and teachings she was converted 
to the true religion. A few happy years followed, 
and then the calamity of widowhood came upon 
her. Upon his death-bed he solemnly exhorted 



Ws 




her, for her soul's sake, to leave the dangerous 
company in which she would be thrown, and go 
to the city of Bethlehem, where dwelt the people 
of God. 

Immediately after his death, leaving her home 
and friends, she journeyed in company with her 
aged mother-in-law to Bethlehem, where she ar- 



INITIATION. 63 

rived in due time, way-worn and so poor that she 
was compelled, for her own support and that of 
her friend, to seek some means of securing a 
livelihood. There was nothing, however, that she 
could do, save to go into the barley fields — for it 
was the time of harvest — and glean among the 
poorest and lowest classes of the people for a sup- 
port. The very first attempt she made at this 
labor exhausted her strength. She had been 
reared in luxury, and the toil was too great for 
her. The sharp stubble wounded her feet. The 
blazing sun oppressed her brain. The jeers and 
insults of her companions alarmed and discour- 
aged her, and just before the hour of noon, with 
only two little handfuls of barley, as the fruits of 
her labor, she sought the shade of a tree to rest 
herself for a few moments before retiring from 
the field. 

At this moment Boaz, the owner of the field, 
entered. He was a pious and charitable man. 

None in Bethlehem was so rich, none more be- 
loved and honored than he. As he entered the 
field, he observed near the gleaners the form of 
one differing in garb and manners from the rest, 
and asked the overseer who she was. In reply he 
learned that she was a woman from Moab, who 
had asked leave to glean among the sheaves, but 
that evidently she was unaccustomed to such 



64 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

labor, for she had been there since the sunrise, and 
had gathered but two little handfuls of barley. 
This excited the kindly feelings of Boaz, and he 
went to her to say a word of sympathy, and to 
offer her relief. 

As she saw him approach, she supposed him to 
be the owner of the field, coming to order her 
away. Ever since the morning she had met 
nothing but scorn and reproach, and she looked 
for it now. Raising her hands, therefore, to show 
him how small were her gleanings, and that she 
had taken nothing from the sheaves, she placed 
them meekly upon her breast, as showing her 
willingness to submit to whatever lot she might 
be called upon to endure, and cast her eyes up- 
ward as appealing to God against the inhumanity 
of man. It was for God she had forsaken home, 
wealth and friends, and the disconsolate widow, 
alone in the world, had none other to whom she 
could look for protection. This mute appeal was 
not lost upon the kind heart of Boaz. He spoke 
words of sympathy and tenderness to her. He 
encouraged her to persevere. From the provi- 
sions brought for his reapers he bade her eat and 
drink. He directed that handfuls of barley should 
be dropped on purpose in her way by the reapers, 
so that she might gather an ample supply ; and 
when she returned home to her mother-in-law, 



INITIATION. 



65 



she bore with her enough for their immediate 
necessities. 

The sign of the degree is . 

The pass is . 

The color appropriate to the degree is Yellow, 
which symbolizes the ripened grain in the field 
of Boaz, in which Ruth was an humble gleaner. 

The Sheaf is an emblem of plenty, which, from 
its distinct and minute parts, teaches us that by 
patient industry, gleaning here a little and there 
a little, we may accumulate a competency to sup- 
port us when the infirmities of age unfit us for 
the fatigues of labor. 

You will now conduct our Sister to the third 
point of the Star for further instruction. 

The Conductress proceeds with the Candidate as be- 
fore, round the altar to the third point of the Star, where 
will be found Esthee, during which the following Ode 
may be sung : 



ODE. 

TETBUIE TO RUTH. 



Masic by Bro. He*by Tttckkb. 



1. Widow, mourning for the dead, "Midst the gold-en harvest 

2. Stand, then, mournfully andsigh; Raise thy hands in meek sub- 



66 



ADOPTIVE RITE. 



mourning, Beats the sun thy ach-ing head? Burns the 
- mis-sion; Thy Re - deem - er, Ruth, is nigh — Marks thee 




Btub -ble 'neath thy tread? No kind look thy gaze re - 
with a gra-cious eye, Knows thy lone - ly, sad con - 
J* J* * : £ £ * 




« turn- ing, These poor par - eels all thy store? Sure-ly 
di - tion: All thou 'stgiv - en him and more Shall be 







God will give thee more, Sure-ly God will give thee more, 
ren-dered from his store, Shall be ren-dered from his store 



Cond. Sister Esther, at the request of the 
Worthy Patron, I introduce to you our worthy 
Sister, to be instructed in that truly beautiful 
virtue, fidelity to kindred and friends, as exempli- 
fied in the history of Esther. 



INITIATION. 



67 



Esther. His request shall be complied with. 

Esther was a Jewish damsel. Her family had 
not returned to Judea after the permission given 
by Cyrus, and she was born beyond the Tigris, 
about five hundred years before the Christian era. 
Her parents being dead, Mordecai, her uncle, 




took charge of her education. After Ahasueras 
had divorced Queen Yashti, search was made 
throughout Persia for the most beautiful woman, 
and Esther was the one selected. She found favor 
in the eyes of the King, who married her with 
royal magnificence, bestowing largesses and re- 
missions of tribute on his people. 



DO ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Her matchless beauty having attracted the at- 
tention of the King, her virtues secured his love, 
but her wonderful genius gained his permanent 
admiration and respect. No woman has ever left 
behind her such a record of wisdom as Esther. 
It is a standing tradition among her people, that 
as Solomon was to men so teas Esther to women, 
the wisest of her sex. The more intimately the 
King became acquainted with her mental powers 
the more he respected them. There was no prob- 
lem of state so intricate that she was not able to 
solve. In time she became his confidant, and 
shared with him in the greatness of his kingdom. 
These circumstances enabled her in a season of 
peril to save her nation from destruction. 

The enemies of the Jews, who were numerous 
and powerful, had brought false accusations be- 
fore the King, and persuaded him to promulgate 
an edict that, upon a fixed day, the entire race 
throughout all Persia should be exterminated. 
The chosen people of God were doomed to be 
extirpated from the face of the country. The 
instrument to avert so great a calamity was the 
heroine Esther. 

No sooner did she learn of this cruel edict than 
she promptly resolved to save her people or perish 
in the same destruction. The King had often 
admitted his indebtedness to her counsels, and 



pledged his royal word to grant her any request 
she might make of him, even "to the half of the 
kingdom," and Esther now resolved to test his 
sincerity, and appeal to him, even at the risk of 
her own life, to reverse the horrible edict. She 
attired herself in her white silken robes, placed 
a brilliant crown upon her head, gathered her 
maidens around her, and went boldly and in state 
to the palace of the King. 

It was a day of Grand Council, a gathering of 
the governors, princes, and officers of Persia. The 
dependent nations had sent in their deputations 
to pay homage and tribute, and the royal guards 
thronged the ante-chambers of the palace. It 
was a standing law of that place that none should 
enter the King's presence without summons, 
under penalty of death, and the sentinels, as the 
Queen passed, reminded her of this and warned 
her of her danger. But she bade them stand 
aside, and so, pale but firm, she passed through 
the vestibule into the great Council Chamber. 

The scene was magnificent. The King upon 
his throne of gold and ivory ; the gorgeous equi- 
pages of his officers, and the splendor of the 
apartment itself, all made up a display rarely 
equaled and never surpassed. Through all the 
crowd of courtiers Esther boldly passed, and, 
amidst the deathly silence of the observers, stood 



70 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

up before the King. Pale with fasting and sleep- 
lessness, but not with fear, her cheeks emulated 
the whiteness of her silken robes. She fastened 
her eye fearlessly upon the King, who, angry at the 
violation of the law, frowned sternly upon her. 
It was the crisis of her life. The wise woman felt 
it to be so, and at once reminded him of his 
former pledges by a method understood between 
them. She saw his golden scepter bent toward 
her, and hastened to secure her pardon by coming 
forward, kneeling, and laying her hand upon it. 
Graciously said the King, " What wilt thou, Queen 
Esther? and what is thy request? It shall be 
even given thee to the half of the kingdom." The 
admiring crowds applauded the generosity of 
their monarch, and as he placed her beside him 
on the throne, gave utterance to their feelings in 
loud expressions of admiration at her beauty, dis- 
cretion, and favor with the King. 

The sacred narrative informs us of the con- 
summate tact with which Esther pursued the 
advantage she had gained. She achieved a com- 
plete success and saved the nation, which, to this 
day, keeps an annual festival in her honor. 

The sign of the degree is . 

The pass is . 

The color appropriate to the degree is "White, 
and alludes to the white silken robes in which 



INITIATION. 71 

Esther was dressed when she appeared before the 
King in the court of Persia. It is emblematical of 
the spotless purity of her character, and teaches 
us to be ever mindful of our rectitude of conduct 
in the affairs of life so as to be above the tongue 
of reproach. 

The Crown and Scepter united is an emblem 
of royalty and power. It reminds us of the dig- 
nity of the King and the meek submission of the 
queenly petitioner. 

You will now conduct our Sister to the fourth 
point of the Star for further instruction. 

The Conductress proceeds, as before, round the altar 
to the fourth point of the Star, where will be found 
Martha, during which the following Ode may be sung. 



ODE. 




TEIBUTE TO ESTHER. 

fr N, 1 ,, h h 



^K - -m 



oh King, the suppliant one, Pale and 
Mer-cy's gold - en wand ex - tend, "While her 



72 



ADOPTIVE EITE. 




trembling at the throne ! See the gold -en crown she 
gen - tie head shall bend : Meekly o'er thy scep-W 




bears, And the silk - en robe she wears ; Whiter, 
now, Par-don, fa - vor, bounty show ; Naughtjn 




brighter than their sheen. Is the woman's soul with-in ! 
ail thy broad domain, Like the woman's soul with-in I 




Cond. Sister Martha, at the request of the 
Worthy Patron, I introduce to you our worthy 
Sister, to be instructed in the sublime virtue 
whereby we may display proper respect to un de- 
viating faith in the hour of trial, as exemplified 
in the history of Martha. 



INITIATION. 



Martha. His request shall be complied with. 

The history of Martha is that of a young woman, 
oppressed with grief at the loss of an only broth- 
er. The family, composed of two sisters, Martha 
and Mary, with their brother Lazarus, were resi 
dents of Bethany. They were particularly known 




among the people of the country as followers of 
Christ. Upon a certain occasion, during the ab- 
sence of their Divine Master, Lazarus was taken 
suddenly and violently ill, and in a short time 
died. At the close of the fourth day, intelligence 
reached them that Jesus was returning to Beth- 
any. Martha hastened to meet him, fell on her 



74 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

knees before him, raised her hands imploringly 
toward his face, and, with a voice almost sap- 
pressed with emotion, cried aloud : " Lord, if 
thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 
T>ut I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt 
ask of God, God will give it Thee ! " 

Then said Jesus : " Thy brother shall rise 
again." She replied : " I know that he shall rise 
again in the resurrection at the last day." 

Jesus said unto her : " I am the resurrection, 
and the life ; he that believeth in me, though he 
were dead, yet shall he live ; and whosoever liveth 
and believeth in me shall never die. Believest 
thou this?" 

The sign of the degree is . 

The pass is . 

The color appropriate to the degree is Green, 
emblematical of the immutable nature of Truth 
and its victory. The evergreen is the symbol of 
out* faith in the immortality of the soul, and the 
realization of an everlasting happiness beyond 
the grave. 

The broken column is an expressive emblem of 
the uncertainty of human existence, and the out- 
ward evidence of the decease of a young man 
cut down in the vigor of life. 

You will now conduct our sister to the fifth 
point of the Star for further instruction. 



INITIATION. 



75 



The Conductress proceeds, as before, round the altar 
to the fifth point of the Star, where will be found Electa, 
during which the following Ode may be sung : 

ODE 

TRIBUTE TO MARTHA. 



by Bro. Hbnst Tuoku. 




1. Raise thy hands a-bove, sweet mourner, High - er,. 

2. He has wept for hii-man sor-row, Let thy 

-p- -+• -*- -m - - p- -f- 




high - er, toward the throne ! Ah, he sees thee, 
sor - rows with him plead ; Raise thy hands in 




: «=i±g=« ± 



hears thy sto - ry, Hears and feels that plaintive moan, 
faith, and doubt not, He hathpow-er o'er the dead. 

^ r.r- 



76 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

Cond. Sister Electa, at the request of the Wor- 
thy Patron, I introduce to you our worthy Sister, 
to be instructed in the ever commendable virtue 
of patience and submission under wrongs, as ex- 
emplified in the history of Electa. 

Electa. His request shall be complied with. 




Electa was a lady of high repute in the land of 
Judea, of noble family, wealthy and accomplished, 
who lived in the days of St John the Evangelist, 
and was remarkable for her profuse benevolence 
to the poor. Electa had been educated in accord- 
ance with the times and customs of the people 



INITIATION. 77 

who ruled the affairs of the country in which she 
lived. The idols of Rome were the only gods 
she had been taught to worship. Like Ruth, 
however, she had been rescued from the direful 
influences of heathenism, and from the abomina- 
tions of that sinful system. Soon after the con- 
version of many of the people to the doctrines of 
Christ, she became converted to the belief of his 
power to save those who repented of their sins. 
She professed before the world her faith in the 
despised Nazarene, though she well knew that to 
do so was to expose herself to reproaches, to per- 
secution, and probably to death. 

Her splendid mansion became a house of abode 
to weary and persecuted pilgrims ; her immense 
wealth was devoted to their relief. The poorest 
of the flock — the poverty-stricken and foot-sore 
beggar — coming up the gteat avenue to the door, 
was met as the father met his prodigal son. She 
ran out hastily to meet him, took him warmly by 
the hand and welcomed him. She led him to the 
best apartment, refreshed him with the choicest 
wine, supplied him with wholesome food, cheered 
and clothed her guest, nor suffered him to depart 
until he was strengthened for his perilous journey. 
Throughout all the country her name was famous 
as the philanthropic, the benevolent, and the 
affectionate Electa. During this time, and while 



78 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

she was preparing for a better world, and for 
a fate which, though protracted, was eventually 
to come upon her, a fearful persecution began, 
and any one who confessed the name of Jesus 
was required to recant and deny his faith, or 
suffer the penalty of the law then promulgated 
through, the country. Electa was visited by a 
band of Roman soldiers, whose chief officer pro- 
posed the test of " casting a cross on the ground 
and putting her foot upon it." whereupon he 
would report her recantation, and she be saved 
from a painful and ignominious death. She re- 
fused, and her family were cast into a dungeon 
and kept there one year. Then the Roman judge, 
who had often partaken of her hospitality, and 
who was anxious to befriend her, came and 
offered her another opportunity to recant, prom- 
ising that if she would do so she should be pro- 
tected. Again she refused, and this brought the 
drama to a speed}' close. The whole family, with 
thousands of others, were put to a cruel death. 
While she was expiring, and about to pass "to 
the better land," she prayed with her dying 
breath : " Father, forgive them, for they know 
not what they do ! " 

The sign of the degree is . 

The pass is . 

The color appropriate to the degree is Red, 



INITIATION. 



79 



which symbolizes fervency, and alludes to the 
noble generosity of Electa, displayed toward the 
poor and persecuted of her faith. 

The emblem is the Cup, which reminds us of 
the generous hospitality of Electa, excited by the 
view of poverty and distress. 

The Conductress leads the Candidate to the East, mak- 
ing the circuit of the altar, during which the following 
Ode may be sung : 

ODE. 

TBIBUTE TO ELECTA. 




ups 



1. When cares press heavy on the heart, And all is 

2. Thine, true E - lee - ta, thine which tells, Of his dis - 




gloom a - round, Where shall we fix the heavy eye 
tress and thine ! The Cross upon whose n:gged limba 



80 



ADOPTIVE EITE. 




In all this mortal bound ? What emblem hath the 
Ye both did bleed and pine ! The Cross by heavenly 




mourner here ? What love to warm, what light to cheer ? 
wisdom given To raise our thoughts from earth toheavent 




Cond. Worthy Patron, again I introduce to you 
Sister (naming her), who has, according to your 
request, passed through the labyrinth and to 
the several points of our bright Star, where she 
has been taught those truly sublime virtues ex- 
emplified in the lives of Jephthah's Daughter, 
Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa. You will please 
further enlighten her by portraying a more com- 
plete knowledge of the ceremonies and beauties 
of our Order. 

W. P. We hail with true pleasure your coming 
among us. The great work in which we are en- 



INITIATION. 81 

gaged is amply sufficient for us all, and we shall 
rejoice to find you excelling in your zeal that of 
the most devoted members of our society. You 
will now give attention to the remarks of our 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. My dear Sister, for by that endearing 
title you will hereafter be known among us, in 

behalf of Chapter, I cordially welcome you 

to a participation of our privileges. 

"We are laboring to increase our own happiness 
and to promote that of others. Our experience 
and the wisdom we gain from the Scriptures alike 
teach us that this world is a harsh, unfriendly 
scene, poorly adapted to impart felicity ; and that 
it is chiefly by combining the efforts of the good 
and true, in the work of morality and religion, 
that happiness is to be acquired and extended. 

The greater our ability to do good, the more 
pleasure we shall enjoy. 

We meet in private, that we may arrange our 
plans for the good work in which we are engaged, 
without interruption from those who cannot un- 
derstand or sympathize with us. In our meetings, 
we strive to learn our duty as beings who possess 
an immortal part, and when we return home and 
before the world it should be our earnest care to 
perform it. We cultivate a spirit of harmony that 
the enemy of souls may acquire no advantage over 



82 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

us. And as a large portion of our work lies 
in acquiring a knowledge of how best to practice 
the great moral principles, brotherly love, relief 
and truth, and in endeavoring to find the true 
path that leads to everlasting life, we often unite 
to address the Heavenly Throne and to plead with 
God that the very spirit of faith and wisdom may 
descend upon us and make our meeting-place a 
place like Heaven. In such a prayer let us now, 
with our Worthy Patron, cheerfully join. 



n 



The Patron gives two raps with the gavel ; all the 
members rise, when he will repeat the following 



W. P. Source of all Wisdom, Truth and Love ! 
Grant to us that, in the reception of this person, 
we may add strength to our strength and grace 
to our grace. Oh, may the golden chain thus 
lengthened become the brighter for this link, and 
be strengthened for the great work we do. 
Enlarge our powers to benefit mankind and to 
honor God. And when, one by one, each link 
shall fall away in death, may the parting be 
temporary and the meeting eternal. In the world 



INITIATION. 83 

where death comes not, may we realize the full 
happiness of loving and serving Thee forever. 
Amen. 

ODE. 

Oh ! Thou to whom this heart ne'er yet 

Turn'd in anguish or regret, 

The past forgive, the future spare ; 

Sweet Spirit, hear my pray'r! 
Oh! leave me not alone in grief, 
Send this blighted heart relief ! 
Send this blighted heart relief. 
Make thou my life thy future care, 

Sweet Spirit, hear my pray'r! 
Ah! make my life thy future care, 

Sweet Spirit, hear my pray'r! 

Hear, oh! hear my pray'r! 

Ah! hear my prayer! 



At the conclusion of the singing, the Patron returns to 
the East, calls the Chapter to order, and continues the 
ceremonies, with the following 

LECTURE TO THE CANDIDATE. 

W. P. My Sister, in taking upon yourself the 
solemn vows of our Order, you enter upon a new 
phase of life ; you will henceforth be numbered 
among this beautiful Sisterhood, who have for 



84 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

their inspiration the Star of Bethlehem, which 
will guide all the faithful to the New Jerusalem 
— that city not made with hands. 

I must remind you that with the privileges 
come the responsibilities. You have been in- 
formed that we are associated together, that we 
may comfort, aid, and protect each other, in this 
our earthly pilgrimage ; that our duties to each 
other are simply labors of love. The covenant of 
adoption has been rehearsed for you, which you 
have promised faithfully to keep. 

The responsibilities of the Order, therefore, 
rest lightly upon the faithful, and we trust that 
you will bear them with that meekness and grace 
which is found only with the good and true. 

You were informed when you first entered this 
Chapter room that we were in possession of cer- 
tain secrets, by means of which we were enabled 
to recognize each other wherever we might meet, 
and that we propose to put you in possession of 
these secrets, that you too might be recognized as 
a member of the Order. You have already been 
conducted to the several points of the Star, where 
you have received instructions as promised. The 
signs and passes spoken of were then explained, 
which, if properly understood, will enable you to 
make yourself known as a member. 

There are five degrees in this Order, which all 



INITIATION. 85 

initiates receive : The first, that of Adah, the 
Daughter's ; second, that of Ruth, the Widow's; 
third, that of Esther, the Wife's ; fourth, that of 
Martha, the Sis'er's; fif tti, that of Electa, the Mother's. 
On undergoing an examination, you will be re- 
quired to give certain answers to particular ques- 
tions, and these questions will be asked in the 
order the degrees were received by you. That 
you may comprehend the whole work of examina- 
tion, I will, with the assistance of our Conductress,* 
now rehearse it. You will carefully observe my 
questions and her answers, as they would be your 
answers were you undergoing an examination. 

W. P. Sister Conductress, are you a member of 
the Order of the Eastern Star ? 

Cond. I ****** * 

W. P. What***? 

Cond. I * * * * *. 

W. P. What evidence can you give to prove 
yourself a member of the Order of the Eastern 
Star? 

Cond. I have signs, passes, and 

. . mottoes, one of them a general, the other a 
special **** s a****, and a * * * *. 

W. P. Please give the signs and passes, and 
explain them. 



* This work may be done with the W. Matron or the Conductress ,• 
the latter is preferable. 



86 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

Cond. The first is that of Adah ; it is given in 
this manner. — (Gives sign.) 

The pass * * * Color blue, represented in the 
formation of our emblematical star, by the violet. 

The second is that of Ruth, given in this 
manner. — (Gives sign.) 

The pass * * *. Color yellow, represented by 
the yellow jasmine. 

The third is that of Esther, given in this 
manner. — {Gives sign.) 

The pass * * *. Color white, represented by 
the white lily. 

The fourth is that of Martha — given in this 
manner. — (Gives sign.) 

The pass * * * Color green, represented by 
the pine leaf. 

The fifth is that of Electa — given in this man- 
ner. — (Gives sign.) 

The pass * * *. Color red, represented by the 
red rose. 

The sixth is the sign of salutation, and is given 
by a member entering or retiring from a Chap- 
ter while at work. Members giving this sign 
should advance between the altar and Associate 
Matron, and ****** * f make a slight bow, re- 
tire, or take their seats, as the case may require. 

W. P. "What is the general motto ? 

Cond I************* 



INITIATION. 87 

W. P. — "What is the special motto ? 

Cond. *****. 

W. P. Whence did this special motto take its 
rise? 

W. M. From the five heroines of the Order — 

Adah, because she freely sacrificed her life to 
save her father's honor. 

Ruth, because she willingly left home and 
friends, to dwell with the people of G-od. 

Esther, because she was prepared to render up 
her crown, and even life itself, to save her people 
from destruction. 

Martha, from her undeviating faith in the 
power and merits of her Redeemer. 

Electa, because she preferred to suffer death 
rather than deny her religious belief. These 
were * * * * * 

W. P. To what word did you refer ? 

Cond. The cabalistic word, which in an exami- 
nation should be alternated, I commencing with 
F. ( Using the word^ signified by the letters.} 

W. P. A., etc., etc. 

Cond. This, Worthy Patron, is all I have to 
offer, except the grip. 

W. P. Which you will now give to the can- 
didate. — (Gives it.) 

The Patron, addressing the candidate, will say : 

This, my Sister, completes the work, with the 



80 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

exception of the explanation of the signet. The 
cabalistic word is so called from its relation to 
the star ; its place is always on the block, forming 
the base of the star. It is a chain word, holding 
and binding together the five points of our em- 
blematic star. ( The Patron will point to the signet.) 
Its position on the signet is important, as it forms 
a part of the lesson of examination. 

This concludes the ceremonies of initiation. 
You will now be conducted to the Secretary's 
desk, where you will sign the by-laws, and then 
be re-conducted to your present position. 

The Conductress leads the candidate to the Secretary's 
desk, where she signs the by-laws, and returns with her 
to the East. The Chapter is called up by the Patron, 
who says : 

W. P. The candidate will face the West. Sis- 
ters and Brethern, of Chapter, No. . . ., 

our Worthy Sister has passed through the several 
degrees of our Order, w T e hope with some pleasure 
to herself, we know with great satisfaction to us. 
You will, therefore, give her a hearty welcome. 

The Patron resumes his station and places the Chapter 
in charge of the W. Matron, who will say : 

W. M. Sister Associate Matron. 
A. M. Worthy Matron ? 



INITIATION OF A MASTER MASON. 89 

W. M. You will call the Chapter to recreation, 
to resume at the sound of the gavel in the East. 

A. M. Sisters and Brethren, by order of the 
Worthy Matron, you will now be at recreation, 
to resume at the sound of the gavel in the East. 

The Conductress or the "W. Matron will introduce the 
candidate to the members, who should receive her kindly, 
with words of welcome, etc. After which, the W. 
Matron will call the Chapter to order, proceed with the 
ordinary business, and finally close the Chapter in form. 



INITIATION OF A MASTER MASON. 

A gentleman, known to be a Master Mason, having 
been proposed and elected in a Chapter, presents himself 
in the preparation room. The order "Initiation" having 
been reached, the W. Matron will say : 

W. M. Sister Associate Conductress, you will 
retire and ascertain if there are any candidates 
in waiting, and report to the Worthy Patron. 

The A. C. retires, and finding a gentleman candidate 
in the ante-room, ascertains his name, returns to the 
Chapter room, and says : 

A. G. Worthy Patron, I find in waiting Mr. 
(naming the person), who is, I am informed, a 
Master Mason, and therefore entitled to receive 
the light and knowledge of our Order. 



90 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

The Patron will take charge of the Chapter, and turn- 
ing to the Secretary, says : 

W. P. Sister Secretary, has the petition of 

Bro been received in open Chapter, and has 

he been elected ? 

Sec. He has. 

W. P. Sister Associate Conductress, you will 
again retire and introduce the candidate, first 
giving the usual alarm at the door of the prepa- 
ration room. 

The A. C. retires, receives the candidate, and gives the 
usual alarm at the inner door. The Cond., rising in her 
station, says : 

Cond. Worthy Patron, there is an alarm at the 
door of the preparation room. 

W. P. Sister Conductress, ascertain the cause 
of the alarm. 

The Cond. goes to the door, gives the usual alarm, 
opens the door and says : 

Cond. Who knocks at the door of our Chapter ? 

A. C. The Associate Conductress, with a can- 
didate, who is desirous of receiving the light and 
knowledge of our Order. 

Cond. (To the candidate). Are you willing to 
assume our obligation of secrecy, and faithfully 
to perform the duties imposed by the laws of our 
Order? 



INITIATION OF A MASTER MASON. 91 

Cand. I am. 

Cond. You will wait until the Worthy Patron is 
informed of your request. 

The Cond., closing the door, says to the Patron: 

Cond. Worthy Patron, the alarm was made by 
the Associate Conductress, with a candidate who 
is desirous of receiving the light and knowledge 
of our Order. 

W. P. Has he answered the necessary questions? 

Cond. He has. 

W. P. Admit him. 

The Cond. opens the door and says : 

Cond. It is the order of the Worthy Patron that 
this candidate be admitted. 

As the Candidate enters, the Conductress leads him to 
the West and says : 

Cond. Sister Associate Matron, I have the 
pleasure of introducing Mr , to be pre- 
sented by you to the Worthy Patron. He is de- 
sirous of receiving the light and knowledge of 
our Order, and will pledge his honor in our obli- 
gation of secrecy. 

A. M. My friend, you are heartily welcome. 
Cause the candidate to face the East. 



92 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

He is placed near the star, facing the East, when the 
A. Matron will say : 

A. M. Worthy Patron, I have the honor of 

presenting to you Mr , whose petition has 

been accepted by this Chapter, and who is desir- 
ous of receiving the light and knowledge of our 
Order. 

W. P. Brother , it is with pleasure that 

I welcome you into the Order, and especially as 
a member of this Chapter. The grand purj)oses 
of the Order are beneficent and social ; its lessons 
are scriptural ; its teachings are moral ; its obli- 
gations are mutual to all its members, and are 
based upon the universal principle that, whatever 
benefits are due by the Masonic Fraternity to the 
wives, mothers, widows, daughters and sisters of 
Masons, corresponding benefits are due from them 
to the Brotherhood. To enable us to properly apply 
these purposes to the best advantage, we make 
use of certain signs and ceremonies, by means of 
which we recognize those who belong to and have 
a just claim upon us, and mutually bind ourselves 
by an obligation, not only to secrecy, but to the 
faithful performance of the duties that devolve 
upon us as members of this Order. 

With this knowledge of its aims and purposes, 
are you willing to assume the obligations and re- 
sponsibilities appertaining to this Order? 



INITIATION OP A MASTER MASON. 93 

The candidate answers, and, if in the affirmative, the 
Patron calls up the Chapter, and repeats the obligation, 
to which the candidate assents. The Patron returns to 
the dais and seats the Chapter. If the candidate has 
never received the signs, passes, etc., he maybe brought 
to the East, and instructed. When time will permit, the 
following may be rehearsed as a 

CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE. 

My Brother, I congratulate you on being found worthy 
to become a member of this respectable association. 

When, in the vicissitudes of life, we are called upon 
to assume new and untried duties, a sense of responsi- 
bility comes over our minds. We ask ourselves, "How 
far do these new obligations lead us ? Why have we 
taken them ? In what way will they contribute to our 
own happiness, and to the good of those around us ? " 
It shall be my pleasant duty now to answer these ques- 
tions so far as the Eastern Star may lead us. 

The Order of the Eastern Star has no purpose or design 
save that of promoting happiness. Its secrets are devised 
only that, by their aid, we may have additional means 
of distinguishing the good and true. Its source is the 
ever-flowing spring of revealed truth. Its heroines are 
selected from the best of those described in the inspired 
volume. Its colors suggest nothing but the purest 
thoughts. Its emblems are borrowed from those that in 
Scripture foreshadow the life and the house of Almighty 
God. 

Where in human history will you find five female 
characters so worthy to be combined into a Star, as 
Jephthah's daughter, Kuth, Esther, Martha, and Electa? 
Can we look for greater excellence, more heroic virtues, 



94 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

or deeds of higher renown, than those that make up the 
narrative of their lives ? Adah, daughter of Jephthah, 
loved her father with so great a love, that she gave her 
young life a ransom for his spotless fame. Ruth, ani- 
mated by spiritual zeal, left all earthly joys, that she 
might share the companionship of saints upon earth. 
Esther rejected the vanities and pride of a royal estate to 
rescue her people from the hand of the slayer. Martha 
saw through the cloud of death the assurance of the 
resurrection, and meekly accepted the promise of her 
Divine Friend. Electa, summing up the merits and 
heroism of all the five, yielded her body to the cross, that 
she might give evidence that she was the child of God. 
And now the wisest, purest, noblest of womankind may 
accept these five characters as models of all that women 
can be in this life and in the life to come. 

The affecting and perfect narrations are made graceful 
by colors that both delight the eye and inform the sense. 
The Blue, consecrated to Jephthah's daughter, takes its 
tinge from the cerulean sky, under which the mountain 
maid spent the days of her happy youth. 

The Yellow, consecrated to Ruth, borrows its golden 
tint equally from the glaring sun above and the ripened 
corn below, between which throbbed the faithful heart 
of that matchless damsel of Moab. 

The White, consecrated to Esther, suggests the dignity 
which the heroic queen so cheerfully laid aside to pre- 
serve God's chosen race from extinction. 

The Green, consecrated to Martha, leads the chastened 
spirit through and beyond the grave to all that is animat- 
ing in the thought of a bright resurrection. 

The Red, consecrated to Electa, suggests the hospitality 
inculcated in all the teachings of our Order. 



ESTIMATION OF A MASTER MASON. i>5 

IsTow, blend these five colors into one ; embody them 
through leaf, and bud, arid blossom, in a bright bouquet 
of flowers ; let them flash forth in precious stones and 
enamel ; display them in the chaste and tasty regalia of 
the Order, and this world does not produce anything 
better calculated to attract and instruct the intelligent 
mind. 

Sisters and Brethren, the vows you have taken are only 
those whose keeping will make you wiser, better, happier. 
Our chains are wreathed with flowers. Our duties are 
sweetened by love. Over us all there hangs the great 
reward promised by Him whose Star in the East we have 
seen and whom we have come to worship. 

My Brother, you will now sign the by-laws of this 
Chapter, which entitles you to full membership, with all 
the benefits thereof, and subject to all its penalties. 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

This degree, one of the series of the Adoptive 
Rite, is distinguished as a compliment to all 
worthy active members of a Chapter of the Order 
of the Eastern Star. 

The degree should be conferred within the 
Chapter room of the Eastern Star. 

An organization of this degree is styled a Palace. 
It consists of fourteen officers, and as many pri- 
vate members, ladies and gentlemen, as may be 
convenient. 

The officers and stations are : 

1. King Solomon, Patron, in the East. 

2. Queen Bathsheba, Matron, on the right of 
Solomon. 

3. Princess Hattipha, Assistant Matron, in the 
West. 

4. Princess Oziel, Conductress, in the South. 

5. Princess Zorah, Assistant Conductress, in 
the North. 

6. Treasurer, in the Northeast. 

7. Secretary, in the Southeast. 

96 



QUEEN OE THE SOUTH. 97 

8. Princess Hagar, Adah, on the left of Solo- 
mon, in front. 

9. Princess Orpah, Ruth, on the right of Sol- 
omon, in front. 

10. Princess Syene, Esther, on the right of 
Hattipha, in front. 

11. Prtncess Tharah, Martha, on the left of 
Hattipha, in front. 

12. Prtncess Ellah, Electa, on the right of 
Solomon, in front. 

13. Warder, at the door, inside. 
14 Sentinel, at the door, outside. 



OPENING CEREMONIES. 

At the appointed hour of meeting, King Solomon takes 
. his station in the East, and calls the Palace to order by 
one blow of the gavel, and says : 

Solomon. Princess Oziel, proceed to satisfy 
yourself that all who are w T ithin the audience- 
chamber are entitled to be present. 

After taking an observation of all present to assure 
herself of the truth, Oziel says : 

Oziel. All who are now within the audience- 
chamber of the Palace are entitled to be present, 
Most Excellent King Solomon. 



98 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Solomon. Princess Zorah, communicate with the 
Warder, and command her vigilance to guard 
this Palace, and preserve our deliberations from 
intrusion. 

After obeying the order, Zorah says : 

Zorah. Your commands have been obeyed, Most 
Excellent King Solomon. 

Solomon. Queen Bathsheba, what are the duties 
of your station. 

Bathsheba. To intercede for the Queen of 
Sheba, and so secure to her a grant of your royal 
favor. 

Solomon. Princess Hattipha, what are the duties 
of your station. 

Hattipha. To assist in welcoming the Queen of 
Sheba, and to intercede in her behalf for your 
royal favor. 

Solomon. Princess Oziel, what are the duties of 
your station ? 

Oziel. To see that the Palace is in proper order 
for the reception of visitors ; to receive and in- 
troduce the Queen of the South to the Most Ex- 
cellent King Solomon. 

Solomon. Princess Zorah, what are the duties of 
your Station? 

Zorah. To see that the Palace is in proper order 
for the reception of visitors ; to assist in receiv- 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 99 

ing and introducing the Queen of the South to 
the Most Excellent King Solomon. 

Solomon. Sister Myra, what are the duties of 
your station? 

Myra. To receive and deposit in the royal 
treasury all gifts and offerings made to the Most 
Excellent King Solomon. 

Solomon. Sister Leah, what are the duties of 
your station? 

Leah. To make up the records of the royal 
wisdom, and preserve them in the archives of the 
kingdom. 

Solomon. This concourse of duties being per- 
formed, make up the system of this degree. In 
the spirit that should actuate every human being 
before entering upon any important undertaking, 
we will invoke a blessing from the Throne of 
Grace. With our respected Queen Bathsheba, 
let us pray. 

Bathsheba reads the following, or extemporizes a 



Oh, Thou who art ever ready to hear prayer, 
and unto whom all must come in supplication, 
may we learn at this time to fulfill the royal law 
of love, and all things whatsoever we would that 
others should do unto us, may we do even so unto 



100 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

them, remembering that this is the law and the 
prophets. 

Oh, Lord, our Heavenly Father! help us to 
dismiss all anxious thoughts for the morrow, and 
to be passive in Thy hands, whether Thou chasten 
or gladden us, whether prosperity or adversity be 
ours. Bring us nearer to Thee. Give anything 
but Thy displeasure, and when our earthly labors 
are ended, have us with Thyself in that glory 
which shall be our best and highest reward. 
Amen. 

Solomon. Sisters and brothers, there are many 
thrilling incidents recorded in the Scriptures of 
the Old and New Testaments, which are embodied 
in the Degrees of the Masonic Order, much to 
the pleasure and instruction of the Craft, and of 
the ladies who share in our privileges. This one 
concerning Sheba is one of that class, and as 
there are worthy applicants for the light and 
benefits of that degree waiting, I therefore de- 
clare this Palace duly open for the despatch of 
such business as may regularly come before it. 
Sister Warder, you will so inform the Sentinel. 

She does so, and says : 

Warder. Your order has been obeyed, Most Ex- 
cellent King Solomon. 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 101 

WORKING THE DEGREE. 

Solomon. With the help of the officers I will 
now proceed to confer the degree known as the 
Queen of the South. 

It was the custom of the great and wise King 
Solomon to devote one day in the week to public 
audiences. The renown of this monarch had ex- 
tended throughout the civilized world, and the 
greatest Kings and Eulers deemed themselves 
honored in the title of " Friends of Solomon." 
"Wise men, philosophers, artists, mathematicians, 
mechanics, all who were skilled in hand, or of 
bright intelligence, paid their court at the foot 
of Solomon's throne. Ambassadors from foreign 
lands, distant and near, came with long and im- 
posing retinues to do him honor. Questions in 
law, in science, and in religion were confidently 
propounded to him as to a man from whom noth- 
ing had been hidden, to whom nothing was too 
difficult ; and the most intricate problems were 
solved by him with a readiness that showed the 
enlightenment he had received from Jehovah. 

The degree commemorates one of those audi- 
ence days, and the visit of the Queen of Sheba, as 
referred to in the Holy Scriptures. 

King Solomon is supposed to be in his Royal 
Palace, on Mount Sion, seated upon his great 



102 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

tlirone of ivory, overlaid with pure gold, sur- 
rounded with his officers and courtiers, and the 
kings of foreign nations, ambassadors, philoso- 
phers, and others who had come to gather wis- 
dom from his lips. 

Oziel, having obtained a list of the candidates, will 
say : 

Oziel. Most Excellent King Solomon, there are 
in waiting certain lady relatives of Master Masons, 
members of the Order of the Eastern Star, accom- 
panied by brethren who are known among us as 
Master Masons.* 

These crave the privilege of entering our Palace 
and receiving the divine precepts, that were an- 
ciently communicated to the Queen of the South, 
from the lips of King Solomon. They are willing 
to pledge their sacred honor to observe all the 
lawful rules and regulations of this degree, and I 
trust that you will grant them an entrance. 

The list is handed to the Secretary, who reads it aloud. 

Solomon. If there are no objections, Sister 
Warder, you will, at the proper time, instruct the 
Sentinel to admit the persons named in this list. 

In strictness, but one lady candidate should receive this 



* When there are no gentlemen present the language must be ren- 
dered accordingly. 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 103 

degree at a time. If, however, Solomon so chooses all 
the lady candidates except one can enter and take their 
seats, or all enter at the same time, and so receive the 
degree by communication. The gentlemen candidates 
invariably receive the degree without ceremony, and all 
at one inculcation. 

Solotnon. Princess Oziel, you will take a suita- 
ble escort, proceed to the outer portals of the 
Palace, where, I am informed, you will find in 
waiting the Queen of the South, with her retinue. 
You will welcome and conduct them to our pres- 
ence in the name of the King of Israel. 

Princess Oziel, with Zorah, Hagar, Orpah, Syene, Tha- 
rah, and Ellah, retire to the ante-room. In the mean- 
time, the lady who has been selected as the candidate- 
representing the Queen of the South — should be dressed 
in white, with a crown on her head, and a flowing vail 
attached thereto. A procession is formed, and the Can- 
didate placed in the center of the group, Oziel and Zorah 
leading. As they enter the room, the Palace is called up, 
and all remain standing during the introduction ; music 
playing. 

Oziel (with baton and scroll). Most Excellent 
King Solomon, we present before you a noble 
Princess, Sheba, the Queen of the South, who 
has entrusted to my hands this written petition.* 

Solomon. Let it be read by Leah, our Secre- 
tary. 



* The petition should be written on a piece of parchment or paper. 



104 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

The scroll is handed to Leah, who reads. 

" Sheba, the Queen of the South, having heard 
of the fame of King Solomon, has come from the 
uttermost parts of the earth to Jerusalem to prove 
him with hard questions. For her own ears must 
hear the man unto whom God has given the wise 
and understanding heart. She has brought in 
her retinue a large company with camels, bear- 
ing spices and pure gold, in abundance, and pre- 
cious stones. She beseeches the favor of King 
Solomon that she may approach the throne of 
the King of Israel and make known to him her 
wishes." 

Solomon. Never, during the long reign of my 
father, King David, nor in my own reign, has 
such a request as this been made to me by a 
woman. Nevertheless, the Queen of Sheba shall 
not be denied. Let her make her wishes known. 

Zorah. Most Excellent King Solomon, I present 
to your loyal favor a mighty Princess, Sheba, the 
Queen of the South, to whom you have granted 
this audience. 

Solomon. Mighty Princess, we salute you. (All 
salute.) Be seated. 

The Queen sits directly in front of the King. The 
officers resume their stations. The Palace is called to 
order. 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 105 

Sol. Mighty Queen of Sheba, the Court of King 
Solomon is open as well to the humblest as to 
the mightiest. Welcome to the Royal Audience 
Chamber. Admitted agreeably to your request, 
I ask you, therefore, to what intent you have ap- 
proached us this day. 

Hagar. Most Excellent King Solomon, by your 
gracious permission I will address you as one of 
the proxies of the mighty Princess. From the 
uttermost parts of the earth, oh King Solomon, 
the Queen of the South has come to Jerusalem to 
hear thy wisdom and to prove thee with hard 
questions. Thy fame concerning the name of the 
Lord has gone forth into every land. From that 
memorable night, when the Lord appeared unto 
thee on Gideon, and said, " Ask what I shall give 
thee," it hath pleased the Most High to grant thee 
wisdom exceeding much the largeness of heart, 
even as the sand that is on the seashore. Wiser 
than all the children of the Eastern country, and 
all the wisdom of Egypt, God hath made thee 
wiser than all men, and thy fame is in all nations 
round about. The representatives of all the peo- 
ple of the earth come to hear thy wisdom, oh 
Solomon, for all the Kings of the earth have heard 
thereof. These things having been made known to 
me by my counselors, it hath seemed good to me, 
therefore, a woman, called like thyself to reign 



106 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

over a great people, and feeling greatly the need 
of Divine wisdom to rule them aright, it hath 
seemed good unto me, I say, to entreat the King 
for a share of what God hath so freely dispensed 
to thee. Therefore, I have crossed lofty moun- 
tains, overwhelming rivers, and trackless deserts, 
by a journey of many months, to seek from thy 
lips the wisdom granted by the Most High God, 
and concealed hitherto from the children of men. 
Let the prayer of my petition then, oh King, 
come before thee, and refuse me nothing of my 
request. 

Solomon. Mighty Princess, while I admire the 
zeal which hath brought thee so far, and the great 
and commanding motives that have prompted 
thee to undertake so painful a pilgrimage, yet, for 
all that, thy request cunnot be granted thee. For 
look! read in all the records of God's dealings 
with men, and you will find no instance where it 
was given to a woman to enter into the counsels 
of the Most High God. 

Or pah. Most Excellent King Solomon, let me 
also speak as the proxy of this mighty Princess. 
Consider my request more seriously. When thy 
Royal father David sat in his chamber, old and 
stricken in years, and a conspiracy was formed 
among his mighty men to make thy elder brother 
king, thy mother, Bathsheba, went wisely to King 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 107 

David, represented boldly the imminent danger 
of the occasion, and by her womanly tact and 
sound judgment secured the crown of Israel for 
you. Is not this, then, a striking instance wherein 
it was given to a woman to penetrate the purposes 
of the Most High God? 

Again, when the two Hebrew mothers stood up 
before thee, in this audience-chamber, the one 
with the living child, the other with the dead, 
they wrought upon thee to display that Divine 
wisdom never before vouchsafed to man. Let the 
prayer of my petition then, oh King, come before 
thee, and refuse me nothing of my request. 

Oziel. Oh King, the woman hath spoken well. 
She is worthy, and that her petition be granted, I 
add my request to hers. 

Solomon. Mighty Princess, and you, Princess 
Oziel, truly you have spoken well. Were there 
no other objection than the one I advanced, you 
have removed it. But it does not become me, the 
King of God's chosen people, to establish a pre- 
cedent in a matter so delicate as this. There is 
not an example in all history to justify me in 
granting your request, however strongly you may 
urge it. 

Syene. Most Excellent King Solomon, let me 
also speak in behalf of this mighty Queen. Con- 
sider her request. It has been proved already 



108 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

that the Most High God has more than once 
spoken by the mouth of woman in promulgating 
His decrees. Let me further name to you Miriam, 
the sister of Moses, whose counsel was so useful 
to him both as lawgiver and ruler ; and Deborah 
the prophetess, who, from her dwelling place under 
the palm-tree, went forth to counsel and exhort 
Barak, Israel's great captain, to the salvation of 
the people ; and Jael, the wife of Heber the Ken- 
ite, who at one stroke rid her country of its most 
despotic foe ; and others of the brilliant galaxy 
among the women of Israel. In so many instances 
has Infinite Wisdom wrought at the hands of 
woman, that there is ample justification for the 
wisest of earthly monarchs to set the precedent in 
this matter and acknowledge her claims at last. 
Then, oh King, let the prayer of my petition come 
before thee, and refuse me nothing of my request. 

Zorah. Oh mighty King, the woman hath spoken 
wisely. She is worthy, and that her petition be 
granted, I add my request to hers. 

Solomon. Mighty Princess, and you, Princess 
Zorah, there is another objection fatal to the grat- 
ification of your wishes. It is the want of needful 
prudence and reticence in your sex. The knowl- 
edge vochsafed to me from the Most High was 
communicated secretly, in the watches of the night, 
even as Jehovah made known to Samuel the Divine 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 109 

will at midnight in the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Shall 
I expose this hidden wisdom to become the sub- 
ject of gossip, an idle tale to idle tongue ? No ; 
a woman cannot keep a secret. 

Tharah. Most Excellent King Solomon, you en- 
tertain too low an estimate of our sex. Be it 
known to you that in my country, yea, in all coun- 
tries of which history gives account, woman has 
ever proved faithful to every trust reposed in her. 
Treat her as a slave, and she may exhibit the infi- 
delity of a slave ; trust to her as your equal and 
your friend, and the adamantine rock is not more 
impenetrable to assault than is the sealed casket 
of a woman's heart. Is there a person in this 
royal audience-chamber who recalls the memory 
of a faithful mother, a devoted sister, a trusting 
wife or daughter, that can deny it ? Perish, oh 
King, the foul assertion that you have uttered. 
Did not Jochebed, the mother of Moses, preserve 
the secret of his birth for three months, braving 
the wrath of Pharaoh, and so secured to Israel its 
greatest Prophet ? Recall the fidelity with which 
your ancestress, Ruth, preserved the secret in- 
trusted to her. Then, oh King, let the prayer of 
my petition come before thee, and refuse me 
nothing of my request. 

Solomon. Mighty Princess, the Creator Him- 
self, whom we all recognize and adore, hath de- 



110 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

dared in His revealed law that the woman is the 
inferior of the man. It cannot be that knowledge 
of such infinite importance, that Jehovah conde- 
scends to communicate it orally to man, should 
•be transferred to another, born in an inferior 
state. 

Ellah. Most Excellent King Solomon, read 
again the inspired Word which your scribes have 
preserved from the days of Moses. See there 
that this want of equality to which you allude 
(and which is made so much the subject of op- 
pression to woman) does not extend to the region 
of the m ind and soul God spoke as lovingly to wo- 
man as to man. Sinning together, together have 
they sorrowed, and His most gracious promises 
were made to the woman. How can you declare, 
then, that she is less than your equal ? Have I not 
been called to the throne of a mighty kingdom 
loy the same voice that called you ? Who hath 
made us, then, to differ, that I should not be 
allowed a measure of the needful wisdom ? Is 
not the woman man's equal in affections ? Has 
she not even more than her share of life's sorrows? 
Are not her sentiments more acute, her griefs 
«ven more keen than his ? Then, oh King, let the 
prayer of my petition come before thee, and refuse 
me nothing of my request. 

.Solomon, Mighty Princess, every one in this 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. Ill 

audience-chamber must admire the logic, apt re- 
ply, knowledge of history, and the noble defense 
of woman evinced in your replies. You have 
plead the cause of your sex so well that the feel- 
ings of our hearers are warmly enlisted in your 
behalf. I candidly admit that you have answered 
and removed the objections thus far urged. 
There is yet one more that I deem unansiverable. 
It is that, for a woman to participate in the coun- 
sels of the Most High, never yet intrusted to one 
of her sex, will not comport with the modesty, 
the delicacy, and the decorum that sanctify the 
intercourse between man and woman in all the 
walks of civilized life. 

Hattipha. Most Excellent King Solomon, this is 
but trifling with my request. Have I not de- 
clared to you that the Most High has placed a 
crown upon my head, which I can in no wise 
wear, save by the grace of Him who gave it to 
me. If it is not a breach of decorum that I 
should be the ruler over men, where the indeli- 
cacy of imparting to me the needful light ? Hark 
ye, O King Solomon, and all ye who hear me, are 
we not sojourners together in this evil world for 
a brief day, and then to pass into a common 
grave ? Mother earth will make no inquiry con- 
cerning us, whether man or woman ; but will 
resolve us equally into kindred dust. The trum- 



112 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

pet of the archangel will be blown alike to sum- 
mon us, and the right hand of the Omnipotent 
will alike raise us to stand before Him. It is but 
the fear of man, oh King, that prompts thee to 
these repeated denials. I accept them, and I will 
press my suit no further. I will now go forth to 
traverse deserts, mountains, and livers on my re- 
turn home. And as I go I will make it known 
that King Solomon, the marvel of mankind for 
wisdom and Divine gift, has refused to enlighten 
the Queen of the South in the wisdom God has 
given him, lest he should set an example to the 
world. Keep, then, oh King, the wisdom you 
have. Soon you must pass away as your fathers, 
and then all that you have, and all that you are, 
will be as a shadow that disappeareth. The Word 
of God abideth forever. To that I will direct me. 
In prayer, in charity, in deeds of mercy, I will 
seek the wisdom that I vainly hoped to secure at 
the Court of Solomon. My prayer and my request 
shall come before thee no more. 

Bathsheba. Most Excellent King Solomon, I 
have listened to this remarkable debate from the 
beginning. As the Queen Mother, I am free to 
advise thee that her request be granted. It is 
the Divine finger that has directed her to your 
court. A Divine strength has upheld her in all 
her weary journey ings hither. A Divine wisdom 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 113 

has prompted her in the words she has uttered. 
Do not turn her away, then, to make known your 
refusal to the whole world, and thus cast a shadow 
upon the perfect wisdom God has given thee. 

Solomon. Sister Secretary, look yon into the law 
of Moses, and into the history of God's people, re- 
corded by the prophet Samuel, and see if there 
is anything in the treasuries of inspiration that 
will enlighten us upon the relation between man 
and woman. 

Sec. God created man in His own image ; in 
the image of God created He him ; male and 
female created He them. The Lord God said, 
" It is not good that man should be alone ; I will 
make him an helpmeet for him." In all the divine 
commands in favor of the poor and distressed, no 
class of persons is so often and so kindly men- 
tioned as the widow. Most Excellent King Solo- 
mon, the law of Moses everywhere regards the 
woman equally worthy of God's favor as man, and 
if she is not so often mentioned in these it is be- 
cause her lot is more retired. Whenever the wri- 
ters of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and Samuel speak 
of the part performed by woman in the great 
drama of our nation, it is in the most respectful 
and reverential terms. The history of the mother 
of Samson and the mother of Samuel, of Jeph- 
thah's daughter, of your own noble ancestress, 



114 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Ruth, and of many others, affords ample assur- 
ance that in the favor and mercy of God the 
woman shares a full portion with the man. 

Solomon. Look you now, my respected Queen 
Mother, into the Psalms of my royal father David, 
and see if there is anything in the treasuries of 
inspiration there that will enlighten us upon the 
relation between man and woman. 

Bathsheba. Harken unto me, oh my son. Under 
the guise of a beautiful and virtuous woman, the 
royal Psalmist prefigures the glories of the King- 
dom of Christ. In all the exhibitions of the sins 
of Israel, and they are many, he nowhere alludes 
to a dishonorable woman. The mourning for a 
mother he depictures as the most grievous of 
earthly sorrows. And so the Psalms of David, 
your noble father, everywhere regard the woman 
equally worthy God's favor with the man. And 
in almost every instance is man used in the gen- 
eric sense to include both sexes. 

Solomon. Mighty Princess, I can no longer for- 
bear to grant your request. Truly, God has sent 
you here, and you shall not go empty away. A 
faithful witness will not lie. Hope deferred mak- 
eth the heart sick. The lips of truth shall be es- 
tablished forever. Samson, when tempted by 
Delilah, revealed to her the secret of the Lord, 
and, as a punishment, the Lord sent upon him 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 115 

the prison-house, blindness, and death. Saul was 
stricken to the earth by the machinations of the 
"Witch of Enclor, and he went forth from her cave 
to meet a bloody death. But you, oh Mighty 
Princess, who have come so far, not influenced by 
vain curiosity or the purpose to do evil, or gain 
unlawful knowledge, you will receive this wisdom, 
that you may apply it to the good of your people. 
Therefore I will no longer delay to share it with 
you. Know then, oh Queen of the South, and 
you, sisters and brethren, who are around me, 
that the Lord God will do nothing but He reveal- 
eth His secrets unto His servants. The secret 
things belong unto the Lord our God, and there 
is a God that revealeth secrets Job declared, 
" The secret of God was upon my tabernacle, in 
the days when God preserved me " ; and David 
prophesied, " He that dwelleth in the secret place 
of the Most High shall abide under the shadow 
of the AJmighty." 

Do you ask to whom the secrets of the Lord 
shall be revealed ? The law is open to our eyes, 
" the secret of the Lord is with them that fear 
Him, and He will show them His covenant." 
" His secret is with the righteous." But what is 
this secret wisdom that the wisest have longed to 
know equally with the fool ? Hear ye, oh my 
friends, and be profited thereby. Fear God and 



116 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

keep His commandments, for this is the whole 
duty of man. For God shall bring every work 
into judgment with every secret thing, whether it 
be good or whether it be evil. The fear of the 
Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is 
understanding. 

GENERAL ADDRESS. 

Solomon. Sisters and Brethren, in this beautiful 
allegory we have considered the objections urged 
against the admission of ladies into the knowledge 
of Masonic principles. Those objections advanced 
by King Solomon were so easily answered and 
refuted by the Queen of the South, that it was 
imjiossible even for the wisest of men to main- 
tain them. How much more difficult is it in these 
latter days, when we are educating our daughters 
equally with our sons, and in this great and en- 
lightened country, where Oriental customs cannot 
degrade our women into slaves or silly toys, how 
much more difficult, I say, to maintain an argu- 
ment against the adoption of ladies into binding 
and honorable covenants. I am rejoiced, then, to 
assure you that although the advice and the influ- 
ence of unfounded custom may for a little time and 
in a few places exclude ladies from our social and 
moral privileges, yet by far the larger part of 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 117 

Freemasons are already agreed to share the en- 
joyments and employments of the Order with the 
wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Craft, 
so far as they may lawfully do so. I hail each 
lady here as a Queen of the South, and will pro- 
ceed to communicate to you the secrets of the 
degree. 

The Palace is called up. 

The following * * * * * i s then read. Every per- 
son present is required to * * * during the reading of 
the * * * * 

CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATES. 

Solomon, Ladies and Brethren, the beautiful 
and instructive legends that form the foundation 
of this degree have been so elaborately wrought 
out in the ceremonials which have been dramatized 
before you, that any further instruction upon the 
subject is superfluous. That the female relatives 
of our Order are entitled to participate with us in 
the great privileges of Freemasonry is so clear 
and demonstrable that but few persons in this en- 
lightened age are hardy enough to deny it, and I 
can assure you that any intelligent lady who will 
urge her claims persistently and properly, as the 
Queen of Sheba did, may ask and receive, seek 
and find, knock and it shall be opened unto her. 



118 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

ADDRESS OF THE QUEEN. 

At the conclusion of the charge, the candidate steps 
forward two or three paces. Her escort, viz. Princesses 
Oziel, Zorah, Hagar, Orpah, Syene, Tharah and Ellah, 
form a semi-circle behind her. Bathsheba and Princess 
Hattipha come from their stations and stand at the right 
and left of the candidate. 

The candidate then repeats the following 

TRIBUTE OF GRATITUDE. 

Sheba. Most Excellent King Solomon, and you, 
Gracious Queen Mother, Princesses and Lords, 
in the distant land where I was born, we are 
taught that there is but one God, and that He 
puts it into the hearts of such as He will to speak 
forth sentiments of wisdom suitable to the guid- 
ance of all His creatures. In coming hither from 
the uttermost parts of the earth, I was actuated 
by no other desire than to learn the will of the 
great God of Heaven. What you have told me, 
Most Excellent King Solomon, is wise and good, 
and upon my return I will make it my care to 
teach to others what is the good and acceptable 
will of God. 

Speakiug for my sex, oh King Solomon, I de- 
clare that we have never sought to go beyond the 
bounds allotted to us by our Creator. We have 
cheerfully submitted to endure the ills of life, 
restricted to a humble and retiring condition, 



QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 



119 



patient to bear our portion according to the will 
of G-od. The services of religion, the control of 
government, the conduct of worldly affairs, we 
leave to those whose greater strength fits them for 
those allotments. The domestic circle is ours. 
We claim to rule the fireside. The culture of the 
infant mind is intrusted to us, and we do not 
crave to step beyond our sphere. 

But when you — our fathers, brothers, husbands, 
sons — when you claim to possess a social bond 
woven by God Himself, and handed down to you 
through the ages, we have the right to some share 
in it. When you tell us that the protection, the 
honor, the sustenance of wife and daughters are 
involved in these ancient ties, we have the right 
to possess some means of claiming our share in 
such inestimable privileges. While we do not ask 
for a knowledge of the essential secrets of Free- 
masonry, we do feel to demand of our husbands, 
fathers, brothers, sons, some tokens by which we 
may distinguish a Freemason from a base pre- 
tender, and so be enabled to accept or reject him 
according to his respective merits. 

This is all, Most Excellent King Solomon, that 
we have ever demanded. In the process of time, 
under the better influences of civilization and a 
purer religion, the condition of woman has been 
steadily raised. Our daughters have a glorious 



120 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

prospect in the future for honor and usefulness. 
If there is anything in Freemasonry, then, planted 
there by divine inspiration — anything which we 
are entitled to know, and which is calculated to 
advance our sex — let its know it, and see if we will 
not prove ourselves worthy of Masonic confidence. 

Finally, Most Excellent King Solomon, and you, 
Gracious Queen Mother, Princesses and Lords, I 
thank you for the trust you have reposed in me. 
I speak as the representative of woman, when I 
say that if you ever have traitors among you who 
will reveal your secrets and disgrace your confi- 
dence, those traitors will not be of my sex. 

Inviolably sealed in my heart of hearts, I will 
treasure what you have given me this hour, and 
this tongue shall be torn from its place before the 
least of your secrets shall be unlawfully made 
known. 

CLOSING CEREMONIES. 

The proceedings being ended, and the records made 
up and approved, the Palace is thus closed : 

Solomon. Sister Warder, inform the Sentinel at 
the utmost precincts of our Palace, that this Palace 
is about to be closed. 

The order is executed. 

An Ode may be sung, or remarks may be made by 
persons present. 



matron's administrative degree. 121 

Solomon. I bow declare this Palace of King 
Solomon closed. Sister Warder, you will so in- 
form the Sentinel. 

A banquet, festival, or other proper entertainment may 
be enjoyed. 



MATRON'S ADMINISTRATIVE DEGREE. 

EXPLANATORY. 

This degree is designed to be the official com- 
pletement and guide of those ladies who may be 
elected to the office of Worthy Matron of a war- 
ranted Chapter of the Eastern Star. It must be 
conferred before installation, or as soon after as 
possible. Being strictly an official grade, its high 
purport is to draw into closer bonds of official in- 
timacy those who have taken the control of this 
elder and most promising branch of the Adoptive 
Rite, styled the Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, 
and to afford to them the inexpressible advan- 
tages of sympathy, mutual counsel and aid, so 
that the work of the Order, already settled upon 
a sound basis, may move on in sweet concord, 
harmony, and peace. 

The organization is termed The Administrative 
Council. It is to be called together in the Chap- 
ter-room, at the summons of the retiring or newly- 



122 ADOPTIVE MTE. 

elected Worthy Patron of the Chapter, or by some 
officer of the Grand Chapter, having jurisdiction. 
The Administrative Council is constituted by not 
less than three Worthy Patrons, Past Worthy 
Patrons, Worthy Matrons, or Past Worthy Ma- 
trons, of the Chapter Order of the Eastern Star 
(except at the formation of a new Chapter, there 
being no Past Patrons or Past Matrons present) ; 
also, by courtesy, the Worshipful Masters and 
Past Masters of Craft Masonry, and officers of 
Grand Lodges who are in harmony or affiliation 
with Chapters of the Eastern Star. But every 
Freemason, not a Worthy Patron or Past Worthy 
Patron, before being admitted as a constituent 
member of the Administrative Council, must as- 
sume a pledge under the sanctity of his Masonic 
obligation, that he will not improperly impart the 
secrets of this degree, or be instrumental in so 
doing. 



In the distant ages, 3,500 years ago, among the 
hills of Palestine, dwelt Deborah the prophetess, 
in a tent, under a palm tree. The history of this 
remarkable woman, although brief, is replete with 
interest. The people of Israel had fallen into 
evil in the sight of the Lord, and He had sold them 
into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who 



matron's administrative degree. 123 

reigned in Hazor, the captain of whose host was 
Sisera. He had nine hundred chariots of iron; 
and twenty years he mightily oppressed the chil- 
dren of Israel. 

They spread forth their hands, but there was 
no one to comfort them. Their eyes ran down 
with tears, because the Comforter that should 
relieve them was far from them. Their children 
were desolate because the enemy prevailed over 
them. 

To Deborah the prophetess, the wife of Lapi- 
doth, came the people for counsel and for judg- 
ment, because she was a woman endowed with 
superhuman knowledge, prudence, and power, 
and eminently qualified to rule and govern. 

Grieving over the desolation to which her 
countrymen had been brought for their sins, and 
believing that their punishment was enough, and 
that God would be moved to pity and to pardon, 
she accepted the call of the people, and set about 
the work of their deliverance. A "Mother in Israel," 
she sought for a warrior of approved bravery and 
experience to lead the patriotic hosts to battle. 
This she found in the person of Barak the son of 
Abinoam, a resident of Kedesh of Naphtali, far in 
the north, and to him announced the will of God, 
that he should redeem Israel by the power of the 
sword. She commanded him to make Mount 



124 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Tabor his railying-place, with ten thousand of the 
mountaineers of his own and the neighboring 
tribes; while she by her wisdom would draw 
Sisera, with his chariots and multitude, to the river 
Kishon, in the plain of Jezreel, and there would 
deliver them into his hand. 

The Signal Sign and Summons sent from the 
judgment seat under the palm tree in Mount 
Ephraim to Kedesh-Naphtali were preserved 
among the Israelites, and are adopted as a part 
of the secret instructions of this degree. 

Barak, although brave and experienced in the 
mountain warfare of his race, was alarmed at the 
power and magnitude of the enemy; and, under 
the disheartening feelings of the times, he return- 
ed this reply: — "If thou wilt go with me, then I 
will go; but if thou wilt not go with me, then I 
will not go." 

The Sign of Refusal returned through the mes- 
senger of Deborah is preserved and adopted as a 
part of the secret instructions of this degree. 

Then Deborah arose and went through the 
length of the land to the home of Barak. Yet it 
was with womanly indignation and rebuke that 
she answered his appeal. " I will surely go with 
thee," she said, " notwithstanding that the journey 
thou takest shall not be for thine honor, for the 
Lord shall sell Sisera into the hands of a woman." 



matron's administrative degree. 125 

Then Barak collected his forces, ten thousand 
strong, poorly armed, and weakened by the long 
and crushing despotisms of their conquerors, 
upon the summit of Mount Tabor, and Deborah 
went up with him. There, as in a panorama, 
were spread abroad the innumerable forces of the 
enemy. For Sisera had gathered together all his 
chariots, and all his people unto the river Kishon. 

It is no matter of surprise that the small army 
of Israelites hesitated to engage in war under 
such tremendous odds. Long slavery weakens 
both body and mind. Their fruitful fields would 
be turned into deserts, their cities destroyed, all 
that was dear to them on earth threatened with 
slaughter should this sudden rebellion fail, pre- 
sented an image too terrible for contemplation. 
But the indomitable Deborah, putting her trust in 
G-od, commanded her hero to lead his forces 
against the enemy at once. " Up," she proclaimed; 
" up ; for this is the day in which the Lord hath 
delivered Sisera into thine hand. Is not the Lord 
gone out before thee ? " So Barak, in obedience 
to this imperative command, went out from Mount 
Tabor, and ten thousand men with him. 

The Signet Stern Command used by Deborah is 
perpetuated and adopted as a part of the secret 
instructions of this degree. 

This prediction by Deborah was fulfilled. The 



126 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Lord discomfited Sisera and all his chariots, and 
all his host with the edge of the sword before 
Barak. All fell before the edge of the sword. 
There was not a man left. Sisera himself, fleeing 
homeward alone, was slain in the tent of Heber 
the Kenite, by the hand of a woman, as Deborah 
had foretold. 

The next day saw Deborah at the height of her 
glory and popularity. She was again seated in 
council, under her palm tree, surrounded by the 
princes laJl nobles of Israel, who gave to her for 
superior wisdom and judgment the honor of free- 
ing Israel from their oppressors. Deborah's 
heart bounded with joy, but checking all pride, 
she said, " Not unto me — not to Deborah be the 
glory, my lords ; let us ascribe it all to our merci- 
ful Jehovah, of whom I am only the humble 
instrument." 

And the land had rest forty years. 

THE WORK OF FAITH. 

This example of Deborah shows what strong 
faith in a single woman may do for a whole 
nation. It may possibly do more at the present 
period in the world's history than ever before. It 
does not need an appointment to the office of a 
prophet, nor the exercise of public gifts, nor the 
commanding genius of a conqueror, but a patient, 



matron's administrative degree. 127 

earnest and persevering spirit of faith and labor 
to accomplish the good and noble works for which 
we believe woman in her sphere of life is created. 

Sister, you have been thought worthy to occuj)y 
the distinguished position of Worthy Matron of a 
Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and we 
are assembled for the purpose of investing you 
with the powers appropriately adapted to assist 
you to preside over and govern a legally consti- 
tuted Chapter, and binding you by a special tie 
to be faithful to duty. 

It is called the Worthy Matron's, or Administra- 
tive Degree, and is intended to explain and dignify 
the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the 
presiding officer of a warranted Chapter of the 
Eastern Star. 

It is necessary that every person eligible and 
worthy of being elected to the honorable position 
of Worthy Matron should consider' that, since 
God hath given her an excellent nature, wisdom, 
and the power to choose between good and evil, 
an understanding soul, and an immortal spirit, He 
hath also appointed for her a work and a service 
great enough to employ those abilities, and hath 
also designed her to a state of life after this to 
which she can only arrive by that service and 
obedience. 

To discharge in a proper manner the duties of 



128 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

"Worthy Matron is no sinecure; nor is the prac- 
tice of beneficence a life of ease and indolent con- 
tentment. She must not do the work of the Order 
negligently and idly; but in respecting those who 
have honored her by their suffrages, and in per- 
forming the task allotted to her, she should put 
forth all her strength, and assist to lighten the 
burdens and necessities of her sisters. 

The progress and advancement of the Order of 
the Eastern Star will greatly depend upon you 
and your successors. Out of the fitness to govern 
alone grows the right to govern. All things of 
weight and import are to be done with due and 
grave solemnity, in evidence that we understand 
the importance of that matter which we have in 
hand. Solemn ceremonials are not empty pageants 
or vaiu shows. All the wise men and all the good 
men of the world are obedient to their governors, 
and no person ever came to perfection but by 
obedience; and so we have chosen such institu- 
tions and manners of living in which we may not 
choose our own work, nor follow our own will, 
nor entirely please ourselves, but to some degree 
be accountable to others, and subject to disci- 
pline, and obedient to command, as knowing that 
what health is to the body and peace to the spirit, 
that is government to the societies of the human 
family. 



matkon's administrative degree. 129 

Therefore, since you have been selected as Wor- 
thy Matron of Chapter, No. . . , it is much 

needful that you should be apt and fit to govern 
and render justice. The proper dispensing of 
justice is the great interest of humanity on earth. 
It is the ligament which holds civilized beings 
and civilize! nations together. Wherever her 
temple stands, and so long as it is duly honored, 
there is a foundation for social security, general 
happiness, and the improvement and progress of 
our race. And whoever labors on this edifice 
with usefulness and distinction, whoever clears 
its foundations, strengthens its pillars, adorns its 
entablatures, or contributes to raise its august 
dome still higher in the skies, connects himself, 
in name and fame and character, with that which 
is and must be as durable as the fame of human 
society. 

The high position to which you have attained 
in the Order is the best proof that you are ac- 
quainted with the requisites necessary to consti- 
tute an efficient Matron, and familiar with the 
duties and serious responsibilities which will 
necessarily devolve upon you. The honor, repu- 
tation, and usefulness of your Chapter will chiefly 
depend upon the mode in which you discharge 
the duties of your ofiice. If you should be satis- 
fied with merely knowing by rote the formulas, 



130 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

the phrases, and the ordinary ceremonial of the 
work, and end with that, your care and concern 
for your Chapter, you may maintain good order, 
and conduct the work with regularity, but you 
will soon see indifference succeed to zeal, inatten- 
tion to punctuality, lassitude to interest, and stag- 
nant irumobitity to activity. 

The Matron of a Chapter ought to possess 
knowledge, to diversify her instructions; judgment, 
to preserve the happy medium between rashness 
and timidity; talent, to address the sisters at 
length on every emergency; tact, to conciliate dis- 
putes and reconcile contending parties, and pres- 
ence of mind, to decide correctly on any sudden 
indiscretion or irregularity which may occur 
among the members of the Chapter, that order 
and good feeling may be perfect and complete. 
The great secret of government is to understand 
correctly under what circumstances authority 
ought to be exercised, and when it should be 
profitably withheld. She must never exercise par- 
tiality, or be detected in the slightest bias in favor 
of individuals. The sister who possesses all these 
qualifications will rule and govern her Chapter 
with honor to herself and satisfaction to the sis- 
ters; it will represent a well-regulated and hajrpy 
family, where harmony and loving kindness will 
prevail among the members. 



matron's administrative degree. 131 

The beacon that should turn all its rays inward, 
and confine them to the narrow precincts which it 
occupies, would be useless to the mariner feeling 
his way through storm and darkness toward an 
unseen haven. The Chapter that gives no light 
beyond its walls, or the tree that bears no useful 
fruit, is like the individual who locks up his 
knowledge in his own bosom, and plays the churl 
with the treasures that God has loaned him for 
the common benefit. 

You are to arouse the indolent, encourage the 
desponding, and invite the reflecting sisters to do 
something, the influences whereof shall be felt 
beyond the limits of the Chapter; something for 
society, something for humanity. Whenever your 
Chapter is closed, and a meeting has passed away 
without your having given your associates some 
new and useful information, you will have failed 
to do your duty. Omit no opportunity to impress 
upon them the import and weight of those obli- 
gations. Comment upon them, over and over, in 
all their startling solemnity. Continually admon- 
ish the sisters of the duty that rests upon them, 
so to act and behave as to bring no discredit or 
reproach, upon the Order. 

I hope that you will, in all respects, and under 
all circumstances, perform your duty; and that 
when you lay down the insignia of office your ex- 



132 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

ample will remain as the best and brightest of 
lessons for your successors, to show them in what 
way to walk, and how to act so as to deserve well 
of the Order, to be entitled to its gratitude, and 
to win for themselves honor and reputation. 

Before the secrets of the degree can be im- 
parted to you, I shall require your solemn pledge 
of honor to the following 

OBLIGATION. 



n 



Our Father, who art in Heaven, be present 
with us in our deliberations. Uphold us with 
Thy right hand. Guide us in the paths of peace. 
Endue us with Faith, Hope, and Charity. Ena- 
ble us to determine with wisdom, to act with 
firmness, to bear with us patiently, and to pity 
and forgive all who do us wrong. Amen. 



ELECTIONS. 133 

ELECTIONS. 

The elective officers of a Chapter are the Worthy- 
Patron, Matron, Associate Matron, Treasurer, 
Secretary, Conductress and Associate Conductress, 
who shall be elected annually, by ballot, by a 
majority of the members voting, at the stated 
meeting next preceding December 27 (festival of 
St. John the Evangelist), and should be installed 
on the same or at the next stated meeting. 

The appointed officers are the Warder, Adah, 
Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa and the Sentinel, 
who shall be appointed by the Worthy Matron, at 
the time of her installation. 

In case of the death, resignation, absence or 
other disability of the Worthy Matron to preside 
the Associate Matron, of right, will assume the 
position and responsibilities of the Chair. If 
both these officers are absent or unable to attend 
the meetings of the Chapter, the Patron will ap- 
point a member, in good standing, to preside 
daring their temporary or permanent absence, 
until the next annual election. 

Vacancies in the elective offices may be filled by 
ballot, at a stated meeting, the members having 
been duly summoned for that purpose. Vacancies 
in the appointed offices may be filled by the 
Worthy Matron at a stated meeting. 



134 ADOPTIVE RITE. 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICEKS. 

At every annual election in a subordinate Chap- 
ter, it is necessary that the officers should be 
installed. The ceremony may be performed by a 
Present or Past Patron. The officers having been 
constitutionally elected and the Chapter being 
open, the Worthy Patron of the last year, or a 
Grand officer may be selected, takes the chair, 
and appoints a lady Marshal, who will be assisted 
by the W. Patron elect. 

The official jewels should be collected and 
placed on the altar for convenience. If the In- 
stallation should be public, the Chapter may be 
opened as usual, omitting such parts of the cere- 
monies as are not proper to be performed in the 
presence of strangers. On such occasions the 
installing officer should deliver an address, giving 
a history and explainiug the principles of the 
institution. 

The officers of a new Chapter must be installed 
by the Grand Patron or an authorized Deputy. 

PRAYER. 

TO BE DELIVERED BEFORE INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, from whom 
cometh all wisdom, look upon and bless us in the 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICEES. 135 

duties we are about to perform. May these 
officers who are now to be invested with authority 
to govern in this Chapter be impressed with the 
importance of the trusts confided to them. Endue 
them with wisdom that they may rightly discharge 
every duty; with love, that they may exemplify 
the beauty of concord in all their doings; with 
fidelity, that they may not fail in the performance 
of every obligation ; with fortitude, that they may 
fearlessly face every obstacle and conquer every 
difficulty. And grant that peace and harmony 
may prevail among all the members of this 
Chapter and the Order. Direct us in the ways of 
truth and love, and may all be done in Thy holy 
name. Amen. 

All things being ready, the ceremonies will be 
performed in the following order. The installing 
officer will say: 

W. P. Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
"Worthy Matron elect for installation. 

She conducts her in front of the Patron, and says : 

Mar. Worthy Patron,* it is with great pleasure 
that I present Sister , who has been elect- 
ed Worthy Matron of this Chapter for the ensuing 



* If it be the Grand or Associate Grand. Patron, she will address him 
as Grand Patron. 




136 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

year. Our Sister is not unmindful of the import 
ant responsibility that rests upon 
her in the acceptance of this 
trust; yet she is willing to as- 
sume it in the hope that, by the 
aid of her Sisters and Brethren 
and the favor of God, she will be 
enabled to properly fulfill the duties of the office, 
and not prove unworthy of the high honor that 
has been conferred upon her. 

W. P. Sister ......... before proceeding with 

your investiture, it is necessary that you should 
signify your assent to those Regulations of the 
Order, upon the strict observance of which the 
stability and success of our organization mainly 
depend. 

You admit that the Chapter Order of the East- 
ern Star is the basis of the Adoptive Rite, and 
that the name, character, and mode of recognition 
of the Order are unchangeable. 
Ans. I do. 

You admit that a belief in the existence of a 
Supreme Being is absolutely necessary to mem- 
bership in the Order. 
Ans. I do. 

You promise to protect and obey the laws and 
regulations of the Grand Chapter, and the edicts 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 137 

of the Grand Patron, and to permit no violation 
of them by the members of your Chapter. 

Ans. I do. 

You agree that the ceremonies of initiation can 
in no case be conferred, unless a Master Mason, 
in regular standing, presides. 

Ans. I do. 

You admit that no new Chapter shall be 
formed without permission of the Grand Chapter, 
or Grand Patron; and that no countenance be 
given to any illegally formed Chapter, its mem- 
bers, or persons initiated therein. 

Ans. I do. 

You agree that no visitor shall be received into 
your Chapter without due examination, nor when 
such visitor is likely to disturb the peace and 
harmony thereof. 

Ans. I do. 

You agree that no person can be regularly in- 
itiated in or admitted a member of a Chapter 
without previous notice, and proper investigation 
as to character. 

Ans. I do. 

You agree to promote the welfare of this Order, 
and will use your utmost endeavors to make your- 
self useful and your station honorable. 

Ans. I do. 

Do you promise to support and maintain these 



138 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

rules and regulations, and to enforce their observ- 
ance by the members of your Chapter ? 

Ans. I do. 

W. P. Members of Chapter No. , 

you have heard your Sister-elect in the sacred 
pledges she has made. Do you still entertain the 
wish that she should preside over the Chapter 
the coming year. 

No one replying in the negative, he proceeds : 

The office of Worthy Matron is one of much 
labor, care, and anxiety, and demands the utmost 
attention and forbearance on the part of that 
officer. 

The members will naturally look to you, not 
only for counsel in the many and varied matters 
that come before the Chapter, but for advice and 
sympathy in their troubles and sorrows. It should 
be your constant study, therefore, how best to 
cultivate all the social virtues. 

You should be cautious in your behavior and 
courteous to your members. You should be an 
example of good order and punctuality, for in 
that manner only can you expect obedience to 
them from others. Within the Chapter it will be 
your duty to see that its regular meetings are 
held; that called meetings be had whenever the 
good of the Chapter demands it; that each of 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 139 

your subordinates fills her station with honor and 
usefulness; that the rules, by-laws and regulations 
be implicitly observed; that the funds, records, 
rituals and paraphernalia of the Chapter be pro- 
perly preserved by the officers in whose charge 
they are; that the cry of the widow and orphan 
shall never be heard in vain within the sphere of 
operations assumed by this Chapter, and that it 
fails in nothing for which it is established. 

The Matron of a Chapter should possess knowl- 
edge, to diversify her instructions; judgment, to 
preserve the happy medium between rashness and 
timidity; talent, to address the members at length 
on every emergency; tact, to conciliate disputes 
and reconcile contending parties; and presence of 
mind, to decide correctly on any sudden indiscre- 
tion or irregularity which may occur among the 
members of the Chapter, that order and good 
feeling may be perfect and complete. The great 
secret of government is to understand correctly 
under what circumstances authority should be 
exercised, and when it should be profitably with- 
held. She must never exercise partiality, or be 
detected in the slightest bias in favor of individu- 
als. The Sister who possesses all these qualifications 
will rule and govern her Chapter with honor to 
herself and satisfaction to the members; it will 
represent a well-regulated and happy family, 



140 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

where harmony and loving kindness will prevail 
throughout the Chapter. 

All this lies in your power to do, by the zealous 
exercise of your prerogatives as Worthy Matron, 
to which office your associate members have been 
pleased to elect you. 

Sister Marshal, you will now invest our Sister 
with the proper badge of her office. 

When she has done so, the Patron continues : 

Your badge, the Gavel within the Star, the 
highest emblem of authority, will admonish you, 
that upon your judgment and discretion rests the 
government of this Chapter, and in a great meas- 
ure the prosperity of our beautiful Order in this 
place. 

Sister Marshal, you will now conduct our Sister 
to her proper station in the East. 

The Marshal conducts her to the East, at the right of 
the Installing officer, when the following, or some other 
ode, may be sung : 

Music— Zordh. 

Accept the trust we offer thee, 

Our Matron and our guide ; 
May justice, truth, and purpose high, 

In all thy power abide. 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICEES. 141 

Oh I lead us by the light of truth, 

To walk in wisdom's way, 
Through all the trying paths of life, 

To realms of endless day. 

The Matron will be seated in the East until the other 
officers are installed. The Installing officer proceeds : 

W. P. Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
Associate Matron elect for installation. 

She does so, and says : 

Mar. Worthy Patron, it affords me pleasure to 

present to you Sister , who has been 

elected Associate Matron of this Chapter for the 
ensuing year. 

W. P. My Sister, the duties of your position 
are embodied in the name of your office. You are 
the Assistant to the Worthy 
Matron in all branches of her 
responsible charge, and in her 
absence will succeed to all her 
privileges and responsibilities. It 
is necessary, therefore, that you 
should make yourself familiar with the duties of 
that office, so that you may fill it with credit to 
yourself and honor to your Chapter. Will you 
sacredly promise to use your utmost endeavors 
to make yourself useful and your station honor- 
able in the post of Associate Matron ? 

She replies in the affirmative. 




142 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Sister Marshal, you will now invest our Sister 
with the proper badge of her office. 

She does so, and the Patron continues : 

Your badge, the Sun within the Star, an em- 
blem of brightness, admonishes you to assist the 
"Worthy Matron by your counsel, as the rising sun 
enlightens the day, being ever ready to assume 
her station when she should be absent. 

Sister Marshal, you will now conduct our Sister 
to her proper station in the West. 

She does so and then resumes her station. 

W. P. Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
Treasurer elect. 

She does so and says : 

Mar. Worthy Patron, I take pleasure in pre- 
senting to you Sister , Treasurer elect of 

this Chapter for the ensuing year. 

W. P. My Sister, the proper preservation of 
our funds demand the utmost honesty and care 
upon the part of the Treasurer. 
The money placed in your hands 
may be required for the relief of 
the widow and orphan whom God 
may, at the most unexpected 
moments, send us as objects of 
our bounty. Will you sacredly promise never to 




ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 143 

violate the sacred obligations assumed by you as 
Treasurer of this Chapter. 

She replies in the affirmative. 

Then, Sister Marshal, you will invest our Sister 
with the proper badge of her office. 

She does so, and the Patron continues : 

Tour badge, the Cross-Keys within the Star, an 
emblem of security, admonishes you to the strict- 
est fidelity in the preservation and disbursement 
of the funds intrusted to your keeping. 

Sister Marshal, you will now conduct our Sister 
to her proper station in the Northeast. 

She does so, and resumes her station. 

W. P Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
Secretary elect. 

She does so, and says : 

Mar. Worthy Patron, I have the pleasure of 

presenting to you Sister , who has been 

elected Secretary of this Chapter for the ensuing 
year. 

W. P. My Sister, yours is an onerous and most 
responsible charge. But few are competent to 
perform it in the thorough manner it demands. 




144 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Failure or neglect upon your part will complicate 
and embarrass all our proceed- 
ings, and give us a disgraceful 
record on the books of the Grand 
Chapter. It is your duty to note 
down in proper order the busi- 
ness of our meetings ; to collect 
all moneys due the Chapter, and to make out and 
forward to the Grand Secretary the necessary re- 
turns as required by the Constitution. "With this 
knowledge of the responsible labors which, as 
Secretary, will be expected of you, do you sacredly 
promise to perform them to the utmost of your 
ability? 
She replies in the affirmative. 

Then, Sister Marshal, you will invest our Sister 
with the proper badge of her office. 

She does so, and the Patron continues : 

Your badge, the Cross-Pens within the Star, an 
emblem of power and intelligence, admonishes 
you that, as an invisible pen records all our 
thoughts and actions, so should you record the 
good deeds of your companions, and keep the ac- 
counts between them and the Chapter without 
prejudice or partiality. 

Sister Marshal, you will now conduct our Sister 
to her proper station in the Southeast. 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 

She does so, and resumes her station. 



145 



W. P. Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
Conductress and Associate Conductress elect. 

She does so, and says : 

Mar. Worthy Patron, it is my pleasing duty to 
introduce Sister , elected to be Con- 
ductress, and Sister , elected to be 

Associate Conductress, of this Chapter. 

W. P. My Sisters, upon you devolve the duty 
of preparing and conducting through the cere- 
monies those who seek the privi- 
leges of our Order ; it is neces- 
sary, therefore, that you should 
be among our most enlightened 
officers. The candidate enters 
our Chapter with a heart open 
to receive a favorable impression of our mysteries. 
and our aims. If you present these matters 
aright, throwing sisterly courtesy 
and dignity around your official 
proceedings, she will acquire a 
fond regard for a system that 
aims so high and promises so 
much. Kem ember, therefore, 
that it depends greatly upon the manner in which. 
you receive and conduct a candidate, to make 





146 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

those impressions lasting, and what we desire they 
should be. 

Such, my Sisters, are your duties as Conduct- 
Tess and Associate Conductress, and do you now 
pledge yourselves to use your best endeavors to 
perform them with credit to yourselves and honor 
to the Chapter ? 

They reply in the affirmative. 

Then, Sister Marshal, you will invest our Sisters 
with their respective badges of office. 

She does so, and the Patron continues : 

Sister Conductress, your badge, the Scroll and 
Baton within the Star, an emblem of prepared 
plans and their fulfilment, admonishes you that 
the first impressions made upon a candidate are 
23ermanent, and should always be for good. 

Sister Associate Conductress, your badge, the 
Baton within the Star, an emblem of direction, 
admonishes you that good discipline is essential 
to the success of our society. 

Sister Marshal, you will now conduct our Sisters 
to their proper stations in the South and North. 

She does so, and resumes her station. 

W. P. Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
Warder and Sentinel of the Chapter. 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICEKS. 147 

She does so, and says : 

Mar. "Worthy Patron, I present to you for in- 
stallation Sister , appointed as Warder, 

and Brother * , appointed as Sentinel of 

this Chapter for the ensuing year. 

W. P. My Sister and Brother, you are respect- 
ively the Inner and Outer Guards of this Chapter. 
Upon you, therefore, we rely to 
preserve that secrecy which is es- 
sential to our proceedings, and 
to see that the solemnity of our 
ceremonies is not interrupted by 
untimely alarm. 

Will you solemnly promise to use your utmost 
endeavors to promote that state of harmony and 
serenity which becomes all our 
proceedings ? 

They answer in the affirmative. 

Then, Sister Marshal, you will 
invest our Sister and Brother 
with their respective badges of office. 

She does so, and the Patron continues : 

Sister Warder, your badge, the Dove within the 
Star, an emblem of peace, admonishes you that 





*If both are Sisters, the language must be changed accordingly. 



148 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

peace and harmony are essentially necessary to 
the success of our Order, and that it lies greatly 
in your power to promote them. 

Brother Sentinel, your badge, the Cross-Swords 
within the Star, an emblem of protection, admon- 
ishes you that upon your watchful care depends 
our security against interruption. 

Sister Marshal, you will now conduct our Sister 
and Brother to their proper stations. 

She does so, and resumes her station. 

W. P. Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
Sisters appointed to represent the five rays of the 
Central Star of this Chapter. 

She conducts the five Sisters to the Patron, and says : 

Mar. Worthy Patron, it is my pleasing duty to 
present in one group the five rays of this Chapter 
of the Eastern Star. Sister has been ap- 
pointed to represent the blue ray of Adah; Sister 

, the yellow ray of Ruth; Sister , the 

white ray of Esther; Sister , the green ray 

of Martha; and Sister , the red ray of 

Electa. 

The Patron says : 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICEES. 



149 




W. P. My Sisters, you are the floral center of 
this Chapter, and as the various flowers which 
your colors represent, illuminated 
by that great light, the Holy Script- 
ures, teach us the lessons of undy- 
ing love, unending possession, heart 
purity, un deviating sincerity, and 
unfading beauty, so are represented in you the 
most charming, the most pathetic, and the most 
instructive lessons of the Old and New Testa- 
ment. 

To you is assigned the duty of instructing the 
candidate in those sublime virtues, illustrated in 
the lives of the characters you rep- 
resent. How important then, that 
in your official duties you should 
labor to throw an air of beauty and 
solemnity around all that you have 
to say and do, so that from you, as the Cen- 
tral Star of our Chapter, may emanate a light 
that will give holy joy to every one who attends 
our meeting. 

"Will you promise to use your ut- 
most endeavors to fulfill those du- 
ties with dignity and earnestness ? 

They answer in the affirmative. 

Sister Marshal, you will now invest our Sisters 






150 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

-with their respective badges of office, and con- 
duct them to their proper stations. 

The Marshal invests them with their 
jewels, beginning with Adah, conducts 
them to their places, and returns to her 
station. The Patron continues : 

W. P. Sister Adah, your badge, the Sword and 
"Vail, will remind you of the filial piety of the he- 
xoic daughter of Jephthah. 

Sister Ruth, your badge, the 
Sheaf, will remind you that to 
please God is worthy of our great- 
est sacrifices. 

Sister Esther, your badge, the 
crown and Scepter, will remind you that true 
friendship refuses no pain or loss for the object 
of its affection. 

Sister Martha, your badge, the Broken Column, 
will remind you that times of the deepest sorrow 
and loneliness are often enlightened by the high- 
est graces of God. 

Sister Electa, your badge, the Cup, will remind 
you that the cup which our Heavenly Father gives 
us to drink, though bitter and distasteful, will in 
the end prove to overflow with blessings, rich, 
abounding and eternal. Such, my Sisters, are 




ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 151 

the lessons inculcated by your several badges of 
office. 

The truly sublime virtues exemplified in the 
lives of those you represent are worthy of immi- 
tation, and I hope that as you teach these virtues 
in the Chapter, so will you practice them out of 
it. Thus will you not only honor the stations to 
which you have been appointed, but lay up for 
yourselves those Heavenly treasures that shall 
never fade, and will render you " Fairest among 
thousands altogether lovely." 

The Sisters will be seated. The Patron continues : 

W. P. Sister Marshal, you will now present the 
"Worthy Patron elect. 

Mar. "Worthy Patron, I have the honor to pre- 
sent for installation Bro , elected "Worthy 

Patron of this Chapter for the ensuing year. Our 
brother is fully aware of the great responsibili- 
ties he is assuming in the acceptance of this im- 
portant position, yet he is willing to undertake 
the charge in the belief that, with the aid and 
forbearance of the members and brethren, he 
will not fail in the performance of his duty, and 
thus prove that the confidence reposed in him 
has not been misplaced. 

W. P. Bro , you have been elected by the 

free choice of the members of this Chapter to 



152 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

occupy the most exalted position in their power 
to bestow upon a gentleman, a just compliment to 
your zeal and worth, and for which I offer you 
my sincere congratulations. Your long and inti- 
mate acquaintance with the rules and affairs of 
our Order justify me in saying that your fellow 
members have exercised a sound discretion in 
this selection. You are elevated to a position 
from which the power and pre- 
rogative may depart with the ex- 
piration of your term of service, 
but the honor and dignity, ex- 
cept by your own act, never. 
The high honors attached to the 
office of Worthy Patron are ac- 
companied by weighty and delicate responsibili- 
ties. From the nature of this association, you 
are not the chief officer, yet, in all things pertain- 
ing to your station, your advice and counsel will 
always be solicited, and your decisions cheerfully 
approved. It is expected that you will not only 
have a watchful care over the interests of the 
Chapter, and see that the laws of the Order are 
promptly obeyed by the members, but that you 
will feel called upon to exemplify in your conduct 
through life the excellent tenets of our Order. 
Prove, by your good example, that the members 
of the Chapter have found in you a brother in 




ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 153 

whom they can perfectly confide. Maintain with 
unswerving care the constitutions and regulations 
of the Order, and, in your respect for law and 
good government, cause all others to find the 
strongest incentive of obedience to all lawful 
commands. 

You will now be conducted to your station in 
the East, at the left of the Worthy Matron. 

The Marshal invests the Patron with the jewel, and 
conducts him to his station in the East. 

The officers having been installed, the Installing officer 
resumes the ceremony of completing the installation of 
the Matron. 

W. P. Worthy Matron, the officers of your 
Chapter have been installed into their respective 
stations for the ensuing year. You will now re- 
ceive in charge the Charter, by the authority of 
which this Chapter is held. You will carefully 
preserve it, and in no case should it ever be out 
of your immediate control ; and when your term 
of office expires, you will duly transmit it to your 
successor in office. 

You will receive the Constitution of the Grand 
Chapter of the State, and the By-Laws of this 
Chapter, which you are to see carefully and 
promptly obeyed. 

The Bible — that book which reveals the duties 



154 ADOPTIVE RITE* 

which the Great Master of all exacts from us, has 
God for its author, truth for its substance, and 
the salvation of mankind for its end — open upon 
the altar, is confided to your care. 

And now I present you with this Gavel, em- 
blem of your authority ; and as no one can dis- 
obey it, I confidently hope that you will never use 
it in an arbitrary or dictatorial manner, remem- 
bering that we should charitably temper justice 
with equity. 

The Chapter is now called up, and Patron continues : 

Worthy Matron, behold your Sisters and 
Brothers. 

Sisters and Brothers, behold your Worthy 
Matron, and as such you will salute her with the 
honors. 

The honors are given. 

You will now assume your station as Worthy 
Matron. 

The Chapter is called down by the Matron. — (Music.) 
When the Music ceases the Patron continues : 

W. P. Sisters and Brothers, of Chapter, 

No. . ., such is the nature of all associations, that, 
as some must rule and govern, so others must 
submit and obey. 



ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 155 

The officers whom you have selected to preside 
over your deliberations during the ensuing year, 
are, I believe, sufficiently conversant with the 
rules of propriety to avoid exceeding the powers 
with which you have intrusted them. 

A leading object of our institution is to incul- 
cate sound morality, as founded upon the great 
moral principle set forth in the sacred volume, 
ever found upon our altar, which we receive as 
the rule and guide of our faith and practice. 
Special care should be used in the admission of 
members, lest, by the introduction of improper 
materials, the institution would be injured. It 
should be constantly borne in mind that the re- 
spectability and usefulness of a Chapter does not 
consist in the number, but in the character of its 
members. It is better that no additions be made 
to the roll of membership, than even one unworthy 
foot should be allowed to cross the threshold of 
the Chapter. The uninitiated judge of our insti- 
tution by the conduct of its individual members. 
You should be as careful of the reputation of your 
Chapter as of that of your family. 

All things are now ready for you to enter upon 
the proceedings of a new year. But we know not 
what is before us. No one can affirm that an- 
other year, or even a single day, will be committed 
to our trust. Therefore, if we have been faithful 



156 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

heretofore, let us redouble our exertions for the 
future. 

Let us be kind, forbearing, and forgiving one 
toward another. Let us sacredly preserve our 
lips from slander and evil speaking. And, finally, 
let us ever be governed, in words and deeds, by 
that golden rule, " That whatsoever ye would that 
others should do unto you, do ye even so unto 
them." Thus may we confidently hope that in 
the good providence of God, each of us will be 
brought, through a useful and happy life, to a 
blissful close, and a triumphant entrance into the 
city of the living God. 

Sister Marshal, you will now proclaim the 

officers of Chapter, No. . . . , regularly 

elected and installed. 

Mar. By direction of the "Worthy Patron, I pro- 
claim the officers of Chapter, No. . . . , 

Order of the Eastern Star, regularly elected and 
installed for the ensuing year. 



INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF A 
GRAND CHAPTER. 

The chair being occupied by the Grand Patron 
of the preceding year, or by a Past Grand Patron, 
will proceed to the duty of installing the officers 
elact into their respective stations. 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 157 

(An officer of a Masonic Grand Lodge, or the 
Master of a Lodge, may perform this service, as- 
sisted by a Grand Marshal.) 

The chairs remain occupied by the officers, 
who, having served their time, are about to retire 
from office. The ceremony will be conducted in 
the following order : 

Inst. Officer. Sisters and Brethren, I am now 
prepared to install into their respective stations 
the officers of this Grand Chapter. Brother 
Grand Marshal, you will present the officers elect 
at the altar for installation. 

The officers are arranged by the Grand Marshal in a 
semicircle around the altar, facing the East, the Grand 
Patron on the right, the Grand Matron next, and so on 
according to rank. 

Gr. Mar. Grand Patron, the Grand Officers 
elect are in order before you, and await your 
pleasure. 

Inst. Off. Sisters and Brethren, you here be- 
hold those whom you have elected officers to 
serve you for the ensuing year. If any member 
of this Grand Chapter is apprised of any just or 
sufficient reason why either of these officers should 
not be installed, let the objection be now made 
known. 

No objection being made, he proceeds : 



158 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

I will now administer the obligation of office, 
which you will each repeat. 

The Grand Chapter is called up by two raps of the 
gavel. 

I (each giving full name) do solemnly pledge my 
honor, in the presence of Almighty God and of 
this Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern 
Star, that I will, to the best of my ability, faith- 
fully and impartially perform all the duties in- 
cumbent on the office to which I have been 
selected; that I will conform to the constitution, 
laws, rules and regulations of this Grand Chapter, 
and in every way within my power assist in ex- 
tending the usefulness of the institution. 

The officers may be seated on one side the room con- 
venient to be presented in succession. The Grand Chap- 
ter is called to order. 

Brother Grand Marshal, you will present the 
Grand Patron. 

Gr. Mar. Worthy Sir, I have the honor to 

present Brother , who has been elected 

Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter, Order of 

the Eastern Star, of the State of , for the 

ensuing year, for installation. 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 159 



GRAND PATRON. 



Inst. Off. My Brother, we most cordially con- 
gratulate you upon your election to this, the most 
distinguished and important office within the gift 
of your associates. The confidence displayed by 
this Grand Chapter in elevating you to supreme 
command is an ample guarantee to the Order 
throughout this jurisdiction of your wisdom and 
of your worth. You cannot, Sir, be otherwise 
than aware of the deep and solemn consequence 
of the duties you are now about to assume, or of 
the many cares and perplexities which surround 
its exalted honors. These difficulties will, I am 
confident, be alleviated by the affectionate sym- 
pathy and active assistance of your associates. 
You may occasionally encounter stern opposition 
from without, from those who do not, or will not 
understand our purposes; but as the most danger- 
ous and insidious enemy to the perpetuity and 
harmony of our beloved institution will pale be- 
fore you in the uprightness of your administration 
of its affairs, we can have no fears of the results. 

We now, Sir, have the honor to invest you with 
the jewel of your office (the Marshal invests him 
with the jewel), and with the emblem of your con- 
trol (hands the gavel), which in your hands should 
never be sounded in vain, and welcome you to 



160 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

the East of the Grand Chapter, Order of the 

Eastern Star, of the State of , and render 

you this, the first act of homage due to you as 
Grand Patron. 

Bows low, with hands crossed on the breast. The 
Grand Chapter is called up. 

I now salute and proclaim you Grand Patron of 
the Order of the Eastern Star, of the State of 

Sisters and Brethren, behold your 

Grand Patron. Grand Patron, behold your 
Sisters and Brothers. 

The assembly will, under the direction of the Install- 
ing Officer, salute the Grand Patron with the grand 
honors. The Grand Chapter is called to order. 

Grand Marshal, you will present the Grand 
Matron elect. 

Gr. Mar. I have the honor to present to you 

Sister , w 7 ho has been elected Grand 

Matron of this Grand Chapter for the ensuing 
year, for installation. 

GRAND MATRON. 

Inst. Off. Sister , the office to which you 

have been elected is one of high dignity, and 
may become one of great importance, for in the 
absence of the Grand Patron from the meetings 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 161 

of the Grand Chapter, or from the limits of its 
jurisdiction, you are, by the Constitution, invested 
with his powers and to exercise his high prerog- 
atives. In view of such emergencies, allow us to 
remind you of the duty devolving on you, to be 
thoroughly prepared to fill his distinguished 
position with honor to yourself and advantage to 
the Order. 

With pleasure we invest you with the jewel of 
office, and proclaim you Grand Matron of the 

Order of the Eastern Star of the State of 

You will be seated in your place, at the right of 
the Grand Patron. 

Before she is seated, the Installing Officer calls up the 
Grand Chapter, and the Grand Matron is saluted in the 
same manner as the Grand Patron. The Grand Marshal 
will present the Associate Grand Patron in nearly the 
same words as the previous officers. 

ASSOCIATE GRAND PATRON. 

Inst Off Brother , by the suffrages of 

the members of this Grand Chapter, you have 
been elected to the position of Associate Grand 
Patron. Be assiduous in the performance of 
your duties, so that you will truly be a strength 
and support to the Grand Patron. In the absence 
of your superior officers, you will assume supreme 
command. Your fitness for the discharge of such 



162 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

a trust undoubtedly led to your selection for the 
office by your companions, and it will be your 
duty and, no doubt, a pleasure so to act as to 
justify their confidence. 

You will now be invested with the jewel of 
your office and conducted to your station in the 
West. 

The Grand Marshal presents the other officers in the 
following order, and with appropriate words. 

ASSOCIATE GRAND MATROX. 

Inst. Off. Sister , your associates have 

shown their confidence in your fidelity by electing 
you to the responsible position of Associate Grand 
Matron. Your previous devotion to the duties of 
the Order of the Eastern Star is a sufficient guar- 
antee that you will be a vigilant officer in what- 
ever station you may be placed. It affords us 
much pleasure to have you invested with the jewel 
of your office. 

You will be conducted to your station, in the 
"West, at the right of the Associate Grand Patron. 

GRAND TREASURER, 

List. Off. Sister , your associates have 

been pleased to elect you to the responsible office 
of Treasurer of this Grand Chapter. Your integrity 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 163 

and truthfulness satisfy us that the trust is wisely 
reposed. It is your duty to receive all moneys 
from the Grand Secretary; make due entry of the 
same, and pay them out on the order of the 
Grand Chapter, or Grand Patron, rendering ac- 
counts thereof. We are happy to have the priv- 
ilege of investing you with the jewel of your 
office. The faithful performance of your duties 
will entitle you to the good opinion and thanks of 
your companions. You will be conducted to your 
station. 

GRAND SECRETARY 

Inst. Off. Brother* , it is with extreme 

pleasure that we invest you with the jewel of your 
office. The duties of Grand Secretary are more 
varied, difficult, and I may add, pleasant, than 
that of any other officer in the Grand Chapter. 
Brought by your official position more immedi- 
ately into communication with the whole body of 
the Order, it is requisite that you should possess 
ability, skill and industry, to meet the various 
demands upon you. It is your duty to record all 
the proceedings of the Grand Chapter; to receive 
all moneys due the Grand Chapter, and pay them 
over to the Grand Treasurer, and keep a just and 



* When this office is held by a lady the language must be changed 



164 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

true account of the same; to keep and affix the 
seal of the Grand Chapter to all proper docu- 
ments, and carefully to preserve its archives. 
These are very important duties, on which, in a 
great measure, the usefulness of the Grand Chap- 
ter depends. Accuracy and punctuality are qual- 
ities which your office particularly requires; and 
as there is no place in the Grand Chapter in which 
a member can render more substantial service to 
the Order, I am confident that you will so perform 
its duties as to merit their esteem and receive 
their hearty approbation. You will be conducted 
to your station. 

GRAND CHAPLAIN. 

Inst. Off. Keverend and Worthy Brother, the 
sacred position of Grand Chaplain has been en- 
trusted to your care. In the discharge of your 
duties you will be required to lead the devotional 
exercises of the sessions of the Grand Chapter, 
and to perform the sacred functions of your holy 
calling at all our public ceremonies. The princi- 
ples and precepts of our association are in strict 
accordance with the best teachings and maxims 
found in the inspired volume, which is the chart 
and text-book of your sacred mission. Teach us 
from its life-giving precepts; intercede for us 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 165 

with that Divine Majesty which it so fully reveals 
and unfolds to us; and inspire us by its lessons 
of infinite wisdom and truth. The profession 
which you have chosen for your lot in life is the 
best guarantee that you vvill discharge the duties 
of your present appointment with steadfastness 
and perseverance in well-doing. It is eminently 
appropriate that an emblem of the sacred volume, 
which sheds its benignant rays upon the altar of 
every lawful assemblage of our Order, should be 
the jewel of your office, with which you will now 
be invested and conducted to your proper station, 
at the left, in front of the Grand Patron. 



GRAND CONDUCTRESS. 

Inst. Off. Sister , you have been elected 

to the honorable post of Grand Conductress of 
this Grand Chapter, and will now be invested 
with the jewel of office. Upon you will devolve 
the duties of receiving and introducing visitors; 
acting as the messenger of the Grand Officers; 
and as a useful assistant to the Grand Marshal in 
the ceremonies of the Order. Thus your official 
position becomes one of great value and import- 
ance to the comfort and good order of the Grand 
Chapter. Vigilance and zeal are necessary requi- 
sites of your office, and we are confident that you 



166 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

possess these qualifications. You will be con- 
ducted to your station, in the South. 

ASSOCIATE GRAND CONDUCTRESS. 

List. Off. Sister , you have been elected 

Associate Grand Conductress, and will now be 
invested with the jewel of office. Your duties 
will require you to devote your attention to the 
condition of the Grand Chapter ; to see that 
everything is in readiness for the meetings of the 
body ; to act as special messenger of the Grand 
Patron and Grand Matron, and to assist the 
Grand Marshal and Grand Conductress in the 
performance of their duties. You will now be 
conducted to your station in the North ; and re- 
member that the post of honor is the post of duty. 

GRAND MARSHAL. 

Inst. Off. Brother , you have been ap- 
pointed Grand Marshal of this Grand Chapter. 
The duties of your office require care, promptness, 
and activity. You are to arrange all processions 
of the Grand Chapter ; to make the proclamations 
of the installations of the Grand officers, and at 
the institution of new Chapters, under direction 
of the Grand Patron. Skill and precision are 
essentially necessary to the faithful discharge of 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 167 

these duties. You will now be invested with the 
jewel of your office, and be conducted to your 
station, at the right, in front of the Grand Patron., 

GRAND LECTURER. 

Inst. Off. Brother , you have been ap- 
pointed Grand Lecturer and the Custodian of the 
Ritual of the Order in this jurisdiction, and we 
now invest you with the jewel of your office. It 
is your duty to instruct the members of the Order 
in the proper performance of their duties ; to 
communicate light and information to the unin- 
formed ; to preserve our Ritual from change and 
innovation ; and, by your instructions to the 
members, to illustrate the genius and vindicate 
the principles of our institution. Let it be your 
object, while inculcating upon the members of 
this Order a faithful regard for its obligations, to 
impress upon them a favorable opinion of its 
moral design and intellectual tendency. You will 
be conducted to your station at the left, in front 
of the Grand Patron. 

GRAND WARDER. 

Inst Off. Sister , you have been elected 

Grand Warder of this Grand Chapter, and we 
now invest you with the jewel of your office. 
Your position is one of trust and responsibility. 



168 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

It is your duty to announce the approach of 
visitors and strangers. In so doing, possess your- 
self of the necessary information to announce 
their rank and position properly. Be cautious 
and vigilant, that no improper person may gain 
admittance. Your station is inside, at the door 
of entrance, on the right of the Associate Grand 
Patron. 



GRAND ADAH, GRAND RUTH, GRAND ESTHER, GRAND 
MARTHA, AND GRAND ELECTA. 

Inst. Off. Sisters, you have been appointed 
severally to the offices of Grand Adah, Grand 
Ruth, Grand Esther, Grand Martha, and Grand 
Electa. You are required to assist the Grand 
Officers generally in the discharge of their duties, 
and in every way in your power aid in the promo- 
tion of the interests of the Grand Chapter and 
the success of the Order. During the opening 
ceremonies of the Grand Chapter you will pro- 
claim those sublime lessons of purity and faithful- 
ness as exemplified by the same characters in the 
subordinate Chapter. You will be invested with 
the jewels of your several offices, and conducted 
to your stations. 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 169 

GRAND SENTINEL. 

Inst. Off. Brother , you have been ap- 
pointed Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter. 
Our institution is of a sacred character, and an 
irreparable injury might result from a negligent 
or careless discharge of your duty. Your office 
is one of great importance, and requires unremit- 
ting care and watchfulness. Your station is out- 
side the door. We now invest you with the jewel 
of your office, and you will repair to your place, 
and there be in active discharge of your duties. 

All the officers are called up. 

Inst. Off. It has fallen to your lot to be elevated 
to the highest places in the gift of this Grand 
Chapter. On entering upon the responsible duties 
of your several offices the members of this Grand 
Body expect you to devote yourselves with energy 
and zeal to the work allotted you to do. I need 
not remind you of the solemn obligations you 
have entered into with us, and that on you will 
depend much of our prosperity, harmony and 
success. May you be guided in the discharge of 
your duties by the spirit of the principles set 
forth in the sublime teachings of our Order. May 
the self-sacrificing spirit of Adah, the meekness 
of Buth, the devotion of Esther, the faith of 



170 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Martha, and the love of Electa, be examples for 
your imitation, being assured that the more de- 
voted you are to our principles, the greater will 
be the respect entertained for you by the mem- 
bers of the Order, and the greater will be 
your enjoyment while you remain with us. In 
the organization of our Society, it is necessary 
that some should rule and others serve. A wise 
ruler seeks to elevate those to whom he is indebt- 
ed for the position he occupies, and as a stream 
cannot rise higher than, its source, so a ruler can- 
not gain prominence and glory greater than that 
enjoyed by his subjects. Let it be your aim to 
rise in office, for in so doing you elevate the 
whole body, and bring glory and honor to our 
beloved Order. 

The Grand Chapter is called up. 

Sisters and Brothers, let us all remember that 
we have a personal interest as well as a personal 
duty in the welfare of our Order and that in pro- 
portion to our energy and zeal will be our success 
and prosperity. Let us feel assured that in all 
branches of our Order the progress, zeal and 
good conduct of the members are modeled upon 
the fidelity of the officers, and so be animated by the 
highest sense of duty. Let me exhort you in the 
words of the great Apostle : Do all things without 



INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 171 

murmurings and without disputings ; that you 
may be without blame, without spot, the children 
of God, irreproachable, in the midst of a people 
depraved and perverse, amongst whom you shine 
as lights in the world, bearing to them the word 
of life; so that in the day of judgment we may all 
feel that we have not traveled in vain or vainly 
labored in the work of the Order of the Eastern 
Star. 

Bro. Grand Marshal, you will proclaim the 
officers of the Grand Chapter elected and in- 
stalled. 

The Grand Marshal will then make proclamation : 

By order of the Grand Patron and by authority 
of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, 

of the State of ,1 proclaim its Grand 

Officers elected and duly installed, in ample 
form. 



PARLIAMENTARY LAW ADAPTED TO A 
CHAPTER. 

The following Legislative Kules are appropri- 
ate for the government of a Chapter, for busi- 
ness: 

1. The constitutional quorum (seven members 



172 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

and the charter) being present, the W. Matron, 
assisted by the other officers, opens the Chapter. 

2. Calling the roll of officers, and reading the 
minutes of last meeting, for information. 

3. The minutes of the current meeting must be 
read and approved before closing the Chapter. 

4. Minutes of a special meeting may be read, 
but must be approved at a regular meeting. 

5. A motion must be seconded and put to the 
Chapter before it can be considered. 

6. A question containing several parts may be 
divided, upon the call of a member. 

7. When a blank is to be filled, the question 
must be first taken on the longest time and the 
highest sum. 

8. An amendment takes the place of the ques- 
tion it is proposed to amend, and must be decided 
first. An amendment to an amendment must be 
decided before the first amendment. A third 
amendment to the original question is out of 
order. 

9. When a motion is under debate, no motion 
shall be received but to lie on the table, to post- 
pone indefinitely, to postpone to a certain day, to 
commit, or to amend; which several motions shall 
have precedence in the order here stated. 

10. A motion to lie on the table is not debat- 
able. 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGUKATING . 173 

11. A motion to adjourn cannot be entertained. 

12. A motion for the previous question cannot 
be entertained. 

13. A motion to reconsider must be made by a 
member who voted with the majority. 

14. Committees of the whole are not known in 
this Order. 

15. All committees must be appointed by the 
chair unless otherwise specially provided for. 

16. A majority of a committee must concur in 
a report; but a minority may also make a report. 

17. Keports may be recommitted at any time 
before final action has been taken. 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGURATING A 
CHAPTER. 

The following ceremonies may be used when a 
new Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star is 
to be Constituted and Inaugurated and its officers 
installed by a Grand Patron, assisted by officers 
of the Grand Chapter. An authorized Deputy 
performing this service will make the necessary 
changes. 

The Chapter room should be arranged as for 
work; and, if convenient, it may be decorated 
with flowers, and music introduced during the 
ceremonies. 



174 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

If the Chapter has been previously working, it 
may be opened in the ordinary manner. If not, 
the officers elect will take their seats in the room, 
and the assembly be called to order by the 
Worthy Matron elect. 

When a Grand Patron, or his representative, 
performs the ceremony, the officers of the Grand 
Chapter will assemble in an adjoining room, and 
form a procession in the following order: 

Grand Marshal. Grand Conductress. 

Associate Grand Conductress. Grand Adah. 
Grand Electa. Grand Ruth. 

Grand Martha. Grand Esther. 

Grand Lecturer. Grand Warder. 

Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. 

Associate Grand Matron. Associate Grand Patron. 

Grand Chaplain, carrying a Bible. 
Grand Matron. Grand Patron. 

Tbe Grand Patron directs the Grand Conduct- 
ress, accompanied by the Grand Marshal, to 
inform the Matron elect of his readiness to con- 
stitute and inaugurate the Chapter and install its 
officers, which order she obeys. As the Grand 
Conductress enters the room the Chapter is called 
up, when she says: 

G. ConL Worthy Matron, I am directed by the 
Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter to inform 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGURATING. 175 

you that he is now ready to constitute and inaug- 
urate this Chapter and install its officers. 

Matron. Grand Conductress, please convey to 
the Grand Patron our thanks, and inform him 
that we are ready to obey any orders he may 
transmit to us. 

The Grand Conductress retires, and repeats to the 
Grand Patron the response of the Matron elect. The 
Grand Patron says : 

G. P. The Chapter duly convened is prepared 
to receive us. Let us proceed to perform the 
duty for which we have assembled. 

MUSIC. 

The doer is thrown open, and the procession enters, 
passing to the right and left of the altar, bringing the 
Grand Patron and Grand Matron to the center. The 
Grand Patron and Grand Matron are invited to the East, 
when the Chapter, under direction of the Worthy 
Matron, salutes the Grand officers with the grand honors. 

The Worthy Matron hands the gavel to the Grand 
Patron, and says : 

W M. Grand Patron, in behalf of Chap- 
ter, I bid you, and those who accompany you, a 
hearty welcome. Under any circumstances, your 
presence among us would be hailed with pleasure, 
as a fortunate event, but it is now especially ac- 
ceptable, when you come bearing the glad tidings 



176 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

of your intention to constitute and inaugurate us 
permanently into a Chapter of the Order of the 
Eastern Star, with power to perform our part in 
the great work of charity, benevolence, and lov- 
ing kindness. Be pleased, dear sir, to receive 
from us assurances that we are anxious to prove 
ourselves worthy of the privilege of laboring 
to promote the best interests of our beloved 
Order, and that we are willing to assume the 
duties and responsibilities which additional pow- 
ers for good will impose upon us. 

G. P. Worthy Matron, we thank you and your 
associates for your cordial welcome and good 
wishes ; and we cannot too much commend the 
sentiments you have expressed. We reciprocate 
your kind feelings, and fully concur in what you 
have so wisely said. If the body over which you 
preside shall continue to be actuated by those 
principles, it cannot fail to attain high honor and 
do good service to the noble cause you all have 
most generously espoused. 

We shall now proceed to constitute and inau- 
gurate your Chapter, and install its officers. 

The Grand Patron requests the officers of the new 
Chapter to vacate their places, which are to be occupied 
by the Grand officers of corresponding titles. 

The Chapter will be called to order. The Grand Mar- 
shal will seat the officers of the new Chapter together, on 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGURATING. 177 

one side of the hall, in order. The jewels will be col- 
lected and placed in readiness for use. 

The services will take place, when a suitable Ode may 
be sung. 

When the singing is concluded, the G-rand Patron says: 

G P. At the recent session, and upon due de- 
liberation, the G-rand Chapter granted to the 
members of this Chapter a Charter, establishing 
and confirming them in the rights and privileges 
of a regularly constituted Chapter of the Order of 
the Eastern Star, which the Grand Secretary will 
now read. 

After the reading of the Charter, the Grand Patron 
will say: 

G. P. Sisters and Brethren, you have heard 
read the Charter granted to this Chapter. Do you 
accept it upon the conditions therein named ? 

Answer. 

G. P. My Sisters and Brothers, the duties and 
responsibilities which you now propose to assume 
are serious and important. We greatly rejoice 
at the organization of every new body of the 
Order of the Eastern Star, as it is another witness 
of the truth long denied by prejudice and perse- 
cution, that women are able to keep a secret and 
govern or control an organized society. 

To be constituted a Chapter of the Order of the 



178 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

Eastern Star is for all to take upon themselves 
new duties, and to enter into closer relations of 
interdependence. To perform those duties well 
requires constant effort, and a watchfulness over 
yourselves that never sleeps. "When you are in- 
vested with the powers guaranteed by the War- 
rant of Constitution, you may so act as to win 
honor, or so as to incur disgrace. There should 
be a firm and fixed determination, and steady 
purpose of mind, on the part of each, that the 
labors of this Chapter shall be made interesting 
and instructive ; that they shall not be confined 
to the mere ceremony of opening, closing, and 
conferring degrees, but shall be devoted to mutual 
instruction, to the cultivation of the social feel- 
ings and acts of kindness, and to the practice of 
an active and earnest beneficence. 

Morally, the work of a Chapter of the Order of 
the Eastern Star extends far beyond mutual relief 
and assistance, and the ordinary ministrations of 
charity. The field of its exertions is not inclosed 
within the walls of a Chapter-room, nor limited 
to the circle of its membership. That field is 
bounded by the realms of the whole society, and 
there is labor sufficiently extensive for us all. 
With these views, but briefly expressing the mis- 
sion and purposes of our association, we will now 
proceed with the services for which we are as- 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGURATING. 179 

sembled. But first let us beseech our Heavenly 
Father to prosper this work and bless our labors 
with success. 

The Grand Chaplain reads the following, or extem- 
porizes a 



Father and Source of all things, who art re- 
vealed unto us in the visible things of this uni- 
verse — Thy Creation — be pleased to give unto us 
constancy and prudence, boldness and hope, a full 
faith and never-failing charity. Light with Thy 
presence this new temple which we now erect 
and constitute, and make it verily a holy house 
and a place where love and pure thoughts shall 
always dwell. Strengthen the hearts and illumine 
the souls of those who are of its household, and 
of the true and faithful everywhere ; and so con- 
duct their works and bless and prosper their laud- 
able undertakings, that we and they shall not be 
found to have lived and labored in vain. Amen. 

O. P. Brother Grand Marshal, let the members 
of the Chapter about to be constituted, with their 
officers elect, form round the altar one of our re- 
vered symbols. 

The Grand Marshal will place all the members of the 
new Chapter in the form oi an equilateral triangle around 



180 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

the altar, with the apex at the East, all facing inward. 
When so arranged, he says: 

G. M. Grand Patron, the members of the new 
Chapter now about to be constituted are in order. 

The Grand Patron calls up the Chapter, when the 
Grand Matron descends from the dais, and passes, with 
the Grand Chaplain, inside the triangle. The Grand 
officers and members of other chapters form, as near as 
the limits of the room will permit, a square around all. 
The Grand Chaplain will read the following passages of 
Scripture: 

And Jephthah to wed a vow unto the Lord, and 
said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children 
of Ammon into my hands, then it shall be, that 
whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house 
to meet me, when I return in peace from the 
children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, 
and I will offer it up for a burnt-offering. So 
Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon, 
and the Lord delivered them into his hands. 
Thus the children of Ammon were subdued be- 
fore the children of Israel. And Jephthah came 
to Mizpeh unto his house, and behold, his daughter 
came out to meet him with timbrels and with 
dances. And it came to pass, when he saw her, 
that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daugh- 
ter ! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGURATING. 181 

one of them that trouble me ; for I have opened 
my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back. 

And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast 
opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me ac- 
cording to that which hath proceeded out of thy 
mouth ; forasmuch as the Lord hath taken ven- 
geance for thee on thine enemies, even of the 
children of Ammon. 

And Euth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or 
to return from following after thee ; for whither 
thou goest, I will go : and where thou lodgest, I 
will lodge ; thy people shall be my people, and 
thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, 
and there will I be buried ; the Lord do so to me, 
and more also, if aught but death part thee and 
me. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, 
and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you, 
and they answered, The Lord bless thee. Then 
said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the 
reapers, Whose damsel is this ? 

Now it came to pass on the third day, that 
Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the 
inner court of the King's house ; and the King 
sat upon his royal throne. And when the King 
saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she 
obtained favor in his sight ; and the King held 
out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his 
hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the 



182 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

scepter. Then said the King unto her, "What "will 
thou, Queen Esther ? and what is thy request ? it 
shall be even given thee to the half of the king- 
dom. 

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus 
was coming, went and met Him. Then said 
Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst been here 
my brother had not died. But I know that even 
now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will 
give it Thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother 
shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, I know 
that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the 
last day. Jesus saith unto her, I am the resur- 
rection and the life ; he that believeth in me, 
though he were dead, yet shall he live ; and who- 
soever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. 

Grace be with you, mercy and peace, from God 
the Father. For the truth's sake, which dwelleth 
in us, and shall be with us forever. And now I 
beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new 
commandment unto thee, but that which we had 
from the beginning, that we love one another. 

After the reading, the Grand Matron will say : 

G. 31. Sisters and Brethren, before the Grand 
Patron proceeds to constitute and inaugurate 
your Chapter, I will receive your pledges of fidel- 
ity These are entirely consistent with your 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGUKATING. 183 

former pledges as members of the Order of the 
Eastern Star. 

1. That you will bear true fealty and allegiance 
to the laws and regulations of the Grand Chap- 
ter, and the by-laws of the Chapter of which you 
may be a member. 

Arts. I will. 

2. That you will never be governed by personal 
animosities or prejudices in matters that relate to 
members of your body, or to other worthy mem- 
bers of the Order, or to sisters or brethren apply- 
ing for admission into your Chapter. 

Ans. I will. 

3. That you will contribute, so far as may be in 
your power, to the general good of the Order, 
avoid disputes, quarrels, and evil speaking, and be 
kind and courteous to members of the society, 
wherever you meet them. 

Ans. I will. 

G. M. Eepeat then with me : 

All repeat as follows: 

All. These are my sacred and solemn pledges, 
and I will truly and religiously keep them. 

The Grand Patron continues the ceremony, and says: 
G. P. Almighty Father, who art constantly 



184 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

manifesting Thyself to us by Thy works, receive 
graciously the profound homage that we pay to 
Thee, and permit us to consecrate to Thee this 
living temple which we are now about to consti- 
tute. 

Take under Thy especial protection all those who 
shall be lawfully appointed to rule therein, that 
they may religiously comply with all the obliga- 
tions by them contracted toward Thee, and toward 
all to whom they are bound by the bonds of duty. 

Cause it to be that those who constitute this 
Chapter shall have but one heart, but one soul, to 
love, honor, and obey Thee, as Thy Infinite Bene- 
ficence requires ; and to love each other as Thou 
lovest them. 

Banish from this temple all evil passions, all 
prejudices, all intolerance. May you meet each 
other here, as the children of our Father, whose 
beneficent hand reaches all His children, and leads 
them by the same path to the gates cf eternity. 

And when the hand on Time's dial points to the 
last hour of our earthly labors, and the powers of 
life go away from us, help us to pass through the 
valley of the shadow of death, and lead us to that 
home wherein are peace and happiness for those 
who love and honor Thee and keep Thy com- 
mandments. 



CONSTITUTING AND INAUGURATING. 185 

The Grand Chaplain will read the following, or extem- 
porize a 

PRAYER. 

Our gracious Father who art in heaven, who 
alone canst defend and protect us amid the mani- 
fold dangers that beset us in our journey through 
life ; vouchsafe to us Thy powerful aid, we be- 
seech Thee, in all our trials and temptations. Lay 
broad and deep in the hearts of the members of 
this new Chapter a knowledge of the responsi- 
bilities devolving upon them ; that in the dis- 
charge of their various duties the loving spirit 
inculcated through the ceremonies of our Order 
may be more and more realized. Give to those 
whom we have placed in authority the spirit of 
equity, sincerity, courage, and wisdom, that they 
may govern with that prudence which well be- 
cometh a wise ruler. Give to those who must 
obey, wisdom and valor, justice and faithfulness, 
truth and honesty ; to our enemies, forgiveness 
and brotherly kindness. Preserve us from all 
impatience and inordinate cares. Let us not be 
revengeful nor unthankful, nor envious and de- 
tracting ; but enable us, by union, harmony, and 
zeal, to benefit our fellow-creatures. Amen. 

The Grand officers and all others will resume their 
stations, when a suitable Ode may be sung. 



186 ADOPTIVE BITE. 

The Grand Patron will then, with hands extended, say: 

G. P. In the name of our Heavenly Father, 

unto whom be all honor and glory forever, and 

under the auspices of the Grand Chapter of the 

State of , Order of the Eastern Star, I do 

pronounce and declare this Chapter to be duly 
constituted and inaugurated, in ample form, under 

the distinctive name and title of Chapter, 

No. . . . , Order of the Eastern Star, in accordance 
with the terms of its Charter. I consecrate it as 
a living Temple to works of Charity and Benefi- 
cence ; to the service of Truth, Virtue, and Har- 
mony. May Peace, Unity, and Loving Kindness 
always reign in it. May it abundantly prosper, 
and all its undertakings be wise and good, and 
crowned with success. 

A strain of triumphant music may be played. The 
Grand Patron says: 

G. P. Attention i Sisters and Brethren, give the 
grand honors. 

Which being done, the Grand " atron says: 

G. P. We are now ready to install the officers 
of this Chapter. 

The Chapter is called to order, and the installation of 
officers takes place. (For installation service, see p. 156.) 

If the Grand officers retire before the Chapter is closed, 
they will do so in the same manner as they entered. 



DEDICATION. 187 

DEDICATION OF EASTERN STAR HALLS. 

These ceremonies may be performed by the 
officers of a Subordinate Chapter, but more prop- 
erly by the officers of the Grand Chapter, under 
direction of the Grand Patron. 

The room should be arranged as for the regu- 
lar meetings of the Chapter, with the addition of 
an extra chair in the West, South, and North, and 
a pedestal or small table in each place, on which 
flowers may be placed and a banner suspended. 

If the ceremonies are performed before an 
audience with strangers, the Chapter may be 
opened in such manner as shall be consistent 
with propriety. 

The ceremonies may be much beautified by the 
use of flowers, music, and appropriate banners 
(about 12x18 inches), on which should be inscribed 
the words : Peace (blue), Faith (green), Charity 
(white), Hope (green), Truth (red), Virtue (blue), 
"Wisdom . red), Love (white). 

When the Grand Officers conduct the cere- 
monies, they will assemble in an adjoining room, 
and form in procession in the following order : 

Grand Marshal. Grand Conductress, carry- 
Associate G. Conductress ing vessels with wine, and 

carrying vessel with oil, a bouquet of flowers. 

and a bouquet of flowers. Grand Adah. 



188 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Grand Electa. Grand Ruth. 

Grand Martha. Grand Warder. 

Grand Esther. Grand Secretary. 

Grand Treasurer. Grand Lecturer. 

Associate Grand Patron. Associate Grand Matron, 

Grand Matron, carrying carrying vessel with corn, 

vessel with salt, and a and a bouquet of flowers. 

bouquet of flowers. Grand Patron. 

The Grand Patron requests the Grand Conductress who 
will be accompanied by the Grand Marshal) to inform the 
W. Matron that the Grand officers are ready to dedicate 
the Hall to the uses of the Order of the Eastern Star. 
The Grand Conductress gives two raps at the door. 

Warder. Worthy Matron, there is an alarm at 
the door of the Chapter. 

W. Matron. Ascertain who makes the alarm, 
and report. 

W. (Opening the door). "Who is it that knocks? 

G. C The Grand Conductress of the Grand 
Chapter, who requests admittance for the purpose 
cf communicating the order of the Grand Patron. 

TV. { Without chs : ng the door). Worthy Matron, 
the alarm was caused by the Grand Conductress 
of the Grand Chapter, who requests admittance 
for the purpose of communicating the orders of 
the Grand Patron. 

W. M. (Calls up the Chapter). Let the Grand 
Conductress have free entrance. 



DEDICATION. 189 

The G. Conductress and G. Marshal advance to the 
center of the room, when the former says : 

G. Cond. Worthy Matron, officers and members 

of Chapter, No , I am directed by 

the Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter, Order 

of the Eastern Star, of the State of , to 

inform you of his readiness to dedicate this Hall 
to the uses of the Order. 

W. M. Grand Conductress, please convey to 
the Grand Patron our thanks, and inform him 
that we are ready to receive the Grand officers, 
and obey any orders he may be pleased to com- 
municate to us. 

The G. Cond. and G. M. retire, when she repeats to the 
Grand Patron the response of the W. Matron. The 
members remain standing, low, soft music being played. 
The Grand Patron says : 

G. P. The Chapter duly convened is prepared 
to receive us. Let us proceed to perform the 
duty for which we have assembled. 

The door is thrown open, and the procession enters, 
passing to the right and left of the altar, outside of the 
star, facing the East ; the Grand Patron and Grand 
Matron in the center, when all salute the Worthy Matron.* 



* When the ceremonies are performed in public, all signs of a pri 
vate character are omitted. 



190 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

The Matron invites the Grand Patron and Grand Matron 
to the East, where she hands the former the gavel. The 
grand honors are given by the Chapter, and the Matron 
says : 

W. M. Grand Patron and Grand Matron, in be- 
half of Chapter, No , I bid you, and 

those who accompany you, a hearty welcome. 

G P. Worthy Matron and members of 

Chapter, we gratefully accept the generous wel- 
come extended to us, and return our sincere 
acknowledgments for this courtesy. The Grand 
officers will repair to their respective stations. 



The Grand Officers will severally repair to the stations 
indicated by their offices, each taking the place of the 
subordinate officer, who takes a seat at the left. The 
Chapter is called to order. When all are seated, the 
Worthy Matron will rise, and say : 

W. M. Grand Patron, we greatly rejoice at 
your Coming among us, and especially when you 
so kindly express a desire to set apart this hall to 
the sacred uses of our Order, and to dedicate 
it to the purposes of Benevolence and Loving 
Kindness. 

G. P. Worthy Matron, Sisters and Brethren, 
we congratulate you upon the completion of this 
beautiful hall, which we will, in accordance with 



DEDICATION. 191 

your request, dedicate to those noble principles 
which should ever impel us to the cheerful per- 
formance of our duties ; and to consecrate it to 
those cardinal virtues which adorn and elevate 
humanity. Within these walls, and beneath this 
roof, you are to assemble, from time to time, to 
assist and encourage each other in the great work 
laid out for you to do in the cause of Benevolence, 
Truth, and Love. Around this altar you are to 
cultivate and nourish those sweet flowers that 
Love unfeigned shall scatter on the rugged path- 
way of human life. It is a well-established fact 
that none of us act as nobly as we resolve, but we 
effect little when we do not aim at a mark higher 
than we can reach. We may, however, hope that 
our united efforts shall lead to the raising and 
spreading of the sublime principles of our Order 
throughout the world, and that wherever we may 
erect a temple, it shall be consecrated by the ap- 
proval of the Supreme Grand Patron of the 
Universe, without whose aid and blessing no work 
should be undertaken. 

The Grand Chaplain reads the following, or extern- 
porizes a 



Almighty God, receive graciously the profound 
homage that we pay to Thee, and permit us to 



192 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

consecrate to Thee this living temple. We would 
humbly draw near and beg Thy blessing on the 
work in which we are engaged. "We pray Thee to 
take under Thy special protection all those who 
shall be lawfully appointed to rule therein, that 
they may religiously comply with all the obliga- 
tions by them contracted toward Thee, and toward 
all to whom they are bound by the bonds of duty. 
Banish from this temple all evil passions, all 
prejudices, all intolerance. May we meet each 
other here as the children of one Father, whose 
beneficent hand reaches all His children, and leads 
them by the same path to the gates of happiness. 
Forgive whatever is amiss in us, who have not 
the wisdom to do all thing* aright. Lead us in 
the path of righteousness, that our thoughts and 
deeds may redound to Thy greater glory and the 
good of our fellow-creatures. Amen. 

The following, or some other suitable Ode, maybe sung: 

Thou hast Thy temple, Lord of all, 
Where'er Thy light and glory shine ; 

While suns and stars before Thee fall, 
And own Thy majesty divine. 

Lord ! in Thy sight completed stands 
This temple to Thy truth and grace ; 

And now we lift our hearts and hands 
To Thee, to consecrate the place. 



DEDICATION. 193 

Lord ! in our hearts Thy kingdom build 
That they may living temples be, 

That with Thy faith and comfort filled, 
We may each day live nearer Thee. 

The Grand Matron will rise in her station and say : 

G. M. I was glad when they said unto me, Let 
us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall 
stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem ! Pray for 
the peace of Jerusalem ; they shall prosper that 
love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and pros- 
perity within thy palaces. For my brethren and 
companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be with- 
in thee. 

The Associate Grand Matron will rise and say : 

A. G. M. For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; He 
hath desired it for His habitation. Lift up your 
hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord, ye 
that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts 
of the house of God. The Lord that made heaven 
and earth bles3 thee out of Zion. 

The Grand Conductress will rise and say : 

G. C. I rejoice at the things that were said to 
me : We shall go into the house of the Lord. Our 
feet are standing in thy courts, Jerusalem. Be- 
cause of the house of the Lord our God, we have 



194 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

sought good things for thee. Let peace be in thy 
strength, and abundance in thy towers ; for the 
sake of my companions I speak peace for thee. 

The Associate Grand Conductress will rise and say : 

A. G. C. Unless the Lord build the house, they 
labor in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep 
the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it. 
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house. For he 
showeth us good things, and the light of his 
countenance is shed upon us. 

The Associate Grand Patron, standing the West, will 



A. G. P. The earth is the Lord's, and the full- 
ness thereof ; the world, and they that dwell 
therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas, 
and established it upon the floods. Who shall 
ascend into the hill of the Lord ? and who shall 
stand in His holy place ? He that hath clean hands 
and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul 
unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall re- 
ceive the blessing from the Lord, and righteous- 
ness from the God of his salvation. Lift up your 
heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye ever- 
lasting doors ; and the King of Glory shall come 
in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord, 
strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. 



DEDICATION. 195 

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, 
ye everlasting doors ; and the King of Glory shall 
come in. Who is the King of Glory ? The Lord 
of hosts, He is the King of Glory. 

The Grand Patron will rise and say : 

G. P. The special duty to which this evening is 
assigned, and for which we are assembled, is the 
Dedication of this beautiful hall to the uses of the 
Order of the Eastern Star. The honorable and 
exalted purposes of our Order are established 
upon the principles of Benevolence and Loving 
Kindness; in our respect for the binding force of 
a vow ; in our devotion to religious principles ; 
in our fidelity to kindred and friends ; in our un- 
deviating faith in the hour of trial ; and in our 
patience and submission under wrongs. The 
services of Dedication will now begin. 

The following, or other appropriate verse may be 
sung: 

Music — Bring Flowers. 

How brilliantly streams, from the vaults above, 
The drapery gemmed by the God of love ! 
Then hither bring, from your stores of light, 
A banner of radiance pure and bright, 
That unnumbered rays may our work illume, 
And a glory reveal in the mystic room. 



196 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

The Associate Grand Conductress, standing in her 
place in the North, pours oil and strews flowers upon the 
floor, and says : 

A. G. C. In the name of our Father, who is in 
heaven, I consecrate this hall to Peace. 

At this moment she displays a small banner, on which 
is painted the word Peace ; which being suspended near 
the position of the A. G. C, she continues : 

May Peace and Contentment forever reign 
within these walls. May the oil of joy and the 
flowers of peace give gladness to the hearts of all 
who assemble here. Glory be unto Grod in the high- 
est, and on earth peace and good will to men. 

The Grand Chaplain will read : 

G. G. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is 
for brethren to dwell together in unity ; for there 
the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for 
evermore. 

The following, or other verse may be sung : 

Music — Bring Flowers. 

How charmingly glow, in the hours of May, 
The roses and violets, blest array ! 
Then hither bring, from the painted fields, 
All the gems that o'er-bounteous nature jields ; 
Then unnumbered hues may our work approve, 
And a touch of the flow'ry time float above. 



DEDICATION. 197 

The Grand Conductress will rise, pour wine and strew 
flowers upon the floor, and say : 

G. G. In the name of the heroines of the Order, 
I consecrate this hall to Charity. 

Displays a banner on which is inscribed the word 
Charity, which she will suspend, and continues : 

May the members of the Order, wherever 
located, ever labor to assist the needy, comfort 
the suffering, and cheer the disconsolate with the 
wine of contentment and the flowers of plenty. 

The Grand Chaplain will read : 

G. G. Though I speak with the tongues of men 
and of angels, and have not charity, I am become 
as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal ; charity 
never faileth. 

The following, or other verse may be sung : 

Music — Bring Flowers. 

How beauteous] y shows, on a happy face, 
The smiling of innocence, truth of grace ; 
Then hither bring, with a sweet content, 
Every joyous look that the heart hath lent, 
Then unnumbered smiles may our work attend 
Nor a sigh nor a tear with the pleasure blend. 

The Associate Grand Matron, standing in her place, 
scatters wheat and flowers on the floor, and says : 



198 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

A. G. M. In the name of the Grand Chapter, I 
consecrate this hall to Tkuth. 

Displays a banner on which is inscribed the word Truth, 
which she suspends, and continues : 

May the good seed and the fragrant flowers 
here sown, like the grain sown in the earth, spring 
up an hundred fold for future use and blessings ; 
and may Truth, that ennobling virtue, which lies 
at the foundation of all other virtues, ever govern 
the members of this Chapter. 

The Grand Chaplain will read : 
G. G. He that walketh uprightly and worketh 
righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart, 
O Lord, shall abide in Thy tabernacle, and shall 
dwell in Thy holy hill. 

The following, or other verse may be sung : 

Music — Bring Flowers. 

How solemnly rise, from the soul in care, 
The burdens of pity, of love, and prayer 1 
Then hither bring, with a faith on fire, 
Such a prayer of o'erpowering strong desire, 
That unnumbered angels our work may grace 
And a touch of God's glory pervade the place. 

The Grand Matron, standing in the East, scatters salt 
and flowers on the floor, and says : 

G. M. As salt was an emblem of hospitality, 



DEDICATION. 199 

friendship and fidelity among the people of an- 
tiquity, I scatter this symbol over this hall as a 
pledge of unbounded hospitality to those who 
partake, and in a belief that the Chapter meeting 
here will be devoted to the peaceful pursuits 
which characterize our Order. Therefore, in the 
name of the whole Order, I consecrate this hall to 
Wisdom. 

Displays a banner on which is inscribed the word Wis- 
dom, which being suspended, she continues : 

May all the deliberations of the Chapter, when 
assembled in this place, be governed by Wisdom; 
may it prosper, and all its labors be crowned with 
success ; may the actions and motives of its mem- 
bers be as pure as new fallen snow upon the im- 
perial mountains, and may peace be evermore in 
the hearts of all who enter this hall. Brighter 
than the bow of the Covenant, bent in the East 
after refreshing showers, be forever our covenant 
with each other. 

The Grand Chaplain will read : 

G. G. Wisdom hath builded her house ; she 
hath hewn it out of her seven pillars. She hath 
sent forth her maidens ; she crieth upon the high- 
est places of the city, at the gates, at the coming 
in at the doors The Lord possessed me in the 



200 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

beginning of His way before His works of old. 
"When He prepared the heavens I was there ; when 
He set a compass upon the face of the depth. 
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching 
daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my 
doors. 

The following, or other verse may be sung : 
Music— Bring Flowers. 

Bring flowers to the shrine where we kneel in prayer, 

They are nature's offering, their place is there ! 

They speak of hope to the fainting heart, 

With a voice of promise they come and part, 

They sleep in dust through the wintry hours, 

They break forth in glory ; bring flowers, bright flowers. 

The Chapter is called up, when the Grand officers leave 
their places, bringing with them the vessels and articles 
of consecration, and surround the altar ; the Grand 
Patron on the East, with the Grand Chaplain on his left, 
and the Grand Matron on his right, with a banner on 
which is inscribed the word Love ; the A. G. Matron on 
the West of the altar, with the banner Virtue ; the G. 
Cond., with the banner Hope, on the South; the A. G. 
Cond., with the banner Faith, on the North ; the other 
Grand officers on the North and South of the altar. The 
Grand officers thus stationed, the Grand Patron will say: 

G. P. In the name of Loving Kindness, which 
is the spirit and soul of all true religion ; in the 
name of Truth, which is omnipotent and eternal ; 



DEDICATION. 201 

in the name of Faith and Hope, the two chief 
blessings bestowed by Providence on humanity ; 
in the name of Virtue and Love, I dedicate this 
hall to the uses of the Order of the Eastern Star. 

"When the words Faith and Hope are uttered, the Grand 
Cond. and Associate Gr. Cond. will lay their banners on 
the altar ; so when the words Virtue and Love are spoken, 
the Grand Matron and Associate G. M. will lay their 
banners on the altar. When the word dedicate is uttered, 
the four officers will, simultaneously, pour the elements 
of consecration upon the floor. The Grand Patron con- 
tinues : 

May the Beneficence of the Order here fall like 
soft rain upon parched places, comforting and 
consoling the hearts of the afflicted as the dews 
of heaven nourish and gladden the green leaves, 
giving new life and sweeter fragrance to thirsting 
flowers. 

The G. M , A. G. M., G. C, and A. G. C. will here 
strew flowers on and around the altar. The Grand Patron 
continues : 

And may we so live, and perform the duties that 
God requires of us here, and when we lie down 
to our last sleep in the narrow grave, His angels 
may crown our souls with sweet flowers, freshly 
gathered from the lawns of Paradise. 

As soon as the last word is spoken, a piece or chorus 
of triumphant music should be given. 



202 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

The Grand officers will return to their respective places, 
when the Grand Chaplain will read the following, or ex- 
temporize a 



G. C. Our Father who art in heaven, we beseech 
Thee to bless the w T ork in which we have been en- 
gaged. Let the lessons we have received sink 
deeply into our hearts, so that this shall have been 
to us no idle ceremony, but a means of edification 
in righteousness and truth and love. May we all 
leave this place with our good resolutions strength- 
ened, our charities enlarged, and our hearts ex- 
panded in all-embracing love. Bless, O Heavenly 
Father, the Order of which we are members. Aid 
us in the good work of Benevolence to which we 
are pledged, and give success to oar efforts. Bless 
this edifice in the promotion of the good objects 
to which it has this day been set apart. Let Thy 
protecting care be over all those who here shall 
meet together. Make them faithful to their duties, 
and zealous in every good word and w r ork. And 
unto Thee, our God and Father, be ascribed 
glory, and dominion, and power, world without 
end. Amen. 

PROCLAMATION. 

G. P. The Grand Marshal will proclaim the 
dedication of this hall and the services completed. 



DEDICATION. 203 

G. M. By order of the Grand Patron of the 

Order of the Eastern Star, of the State of , 

I proclaim this hall regularly and constitutionally 
dedicated to the uses of the Order, and the dis- 
semination of the principles of Benevolence and 
all good works. 

INVOCATION. 

G. P. Sisters and Brethren, I feel convinced, 
from the interest you have manifested in our pro- 
ceedings, that the good effect of the •imposing 
ceremonies of this occasion has not been lost upon 
your hearts. In setting apart this hall for the 
noble purposes just proclaimed, we hare renewed 
our vows to practice the sublime lessons of our 
Order. May this building be more permanent 
than Eoman palaces and Grecian temples, and, so 
long as its foundations stand, may it be devoted 
to the benefit of humanity. Within its walls let 
Benevolence be continually inculcated and prac- 
ticed. Here may the wise and gentle teachings 
of our Society bear rich fruit, and may the rosy 
splendors of Loving Kindness illume the souls of 
those who surround this altar with strength and 
courage, manfully facing the- storms and disasters 
of life ; helping and being helped ; blessing and 
being blessed, in turn. 

Sisters and Brethren of Chapter, we 



204 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

now finally deliver into your hands this beautiful 
temple. Joy be within its courts, and Peace a con- 
stant guest : May these walls never echo with the 
sound of any angry or an unkind word. May all 
the influences that flow hence be good, and for 
good now and forever. 

Here may follow music, addresses, etc., as shall have 
been previously arranged. 



CHAPTER OF SORROW. 

It is earnestly recommended, that each Chapter of the 
Eastern Star hold an annual assemblage, upon a certain 
day, to be specified in the By-Laws. Upon this occasion, 
the proceedings of the year should be reviewed in a com- 
prehensive report from the Secretary, or by a special com- 
mittee appointed for the purpose, the names of members 
newly attached, called over; and those who have passed 
the solemn boundary of the grave named and honored 
with the Funeral Rites of the Order. The following 
suggestions are offered as a guide to the proceedings of a 
Chapter of Sorrow: 

The room, the altar, and the several official stations 
should be appropriately draped. On the altar is an urn, 
covered with a black pall, fringed with silver or white 
silk, on which are painted or embroidered, on tablets of 
white satin, the names of the departed. Around the altar, 
and at each point of the star, a white wax-candle, lighted. 
A scarf of the Order, and if the deceased was an officer 
the collar and jewel of office, covered with black crape, 
are laid on the altar. Flowers and evergreens may be 
strewed on and around the altar at pleasure. 

On the Patron's pedestal is a five-pointed star, made of 
a combination of flowers as nearly like the following as 
circumstances will admit of. "Whatever change is made, 
however, the proper colors must not be changed: — First 
point — blue — Forget-me-not, sacred to the memory of 
Jephthah's daughter; second point — yellow — Yellow Bah- 
205 



206 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Ha, sacred to the memory of Ruth; third point — white — 
White Lily, sacred to the memory of Esther; fourth point 
— green— Sprig of Fern, sacred to the memory of Martha; 
fifth point — red — Red Rose, sacred to the memory of 
Electa. The center or crown of the star is composed of 
Immortelles, in- the center of which is a single white 
Tuberose. 

In the performance of these ceremonies there will be no 
occasion for secrecy, but they may, with great propriety, 
be held in churches or public halls, and in the presence 
of friends and strangers, always having due regard to 
decorum. 

Vocal and instrumental music is indispensable to the 
proper effect of the ceremonies. 

OPENING THE CHAPTER. 

The officers being in their places, and the assemblage 
seated, the Patron will call up the Chapter ( • • ), and 
say: 

W. P. Sisters and Brethren, the brevity and 
uncertainty of human life will now afford us 
subjects for contemplation. Let us for a little 
while vary the ordinary pursuits of our Chapter, 
from the consideration of those heroines whose 
histories light up the sacred pages with such a 
warmth of color. Let us turn to the names and 
memories of those Sisters and Brethren* who 



The language must, in all cases, be varied to suit the particular cir- 
cumstance. 



CHAPTER OF SORROW. 207 

have fallen in life's battle during the past year, 
acknowledged the supremacy of death, grounded 
their arms before a victor whom none can resist, 
and entered upon the sleep that knows no waking. 
Recommending these sentiments to your earnest 
consideration, and soliciting your assistance in the 
solemn ceremonies about to take place, I declare 
this Chapter of Sorrow opened. 

The Chaplain or Patron will then deliver the following 
or some other suitable 



Almighty and merciful God, infinite in wis- 
dom and goodness, extend to us the riches of Thy 
everlasting favor ; make us grateful for the bene- 
fits we now enjoy, and crown us with immortal 
life and honor. Thou hast decreed that we all 
shall die and come to dust. But Thou hast also 
decreed that we shall rise from death to ever- 
lasting life. In such a faith may we live, ever 
remembering that here we have no abiding-place. 
In such a faith may we die, ever believing that, 
when our earthly house is dissolved, we may be 
welcomed to that glorious mansion not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. Aid these mourn- 
ing friends to feel that the ties of kindred, affec- 
tion, and friendship are not broken by the power 
of death, and that the family in heaven and on 



208 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

earth are still the same. Forgive our transgres- 
sions; aid us in our duties; comfort us in our 
sorrows; and take us, at last, unto Thyself in 
heaven. Amen. 

(•) 
Will then be sung the following, or or some other ap- 
propriate 

HYMN. 

I would not Lire Alway. 
I would not live alway; I ask not to stay 
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way. 
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here 
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer. 

I would not live alway; thus fetter'd by sin, 
Temptation without, and corruption within; 
E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears, 
And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears. 

I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb, 
Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom. 
There, sweet be thy rest, till He bid me arise 
To hail Him in triumph ascending the skies. 

Who, who would live alway, away from his God, 
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode ! 
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, 
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns. 

Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, 
Their Saviour and brethren, transported to greet; 
While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, 
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul. 



CHAPTER OF SORROW. 209 

W. P. The departed answer not to our call. 
Once they lived and labored; but now their Star 
is set on this world, and they have passed into 
the light that is beyond the valley of the Shadow 
of Death. In vain we call upon them here. We 
shall no more hear their voice until we also have 
awakened in another world. Let us, however, 
not mourn like those that have no hope. He who 
created us and surrounded us with manifold 
blessings in the present life, and gave us capaci- 
ties for far greater things in the life to come, will 
not forget to be merciful to us when we shall 
stand before His throne, and will connect again 
the chain of friendship so painfully broken here. 

Sister Worthy Matron, what duties of Adoptive 
Masonry have we now to perform? 

W. M. The last offices of Sisterhood and Lov- 
ing-kindness — to pay honors to the memory of 
the departed; for death has come among us, to 
cut off the young with the aged whom we love. 
They fall alike, as the ripe and the unripe fruit, 
and there is none to gather them up. 

W. P. They have gone but a little sooner than 
we to the silent land. Sister Associate Matron, 
your place in our Chapter of Sorrow is in the 
West. What is your duty there ? 

A. M. To teach my Sisters and Brethren the 
brevity and uncertainty of human life, and the in- 



210 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

stability of human fortune. For the children of 
this earthly tabernacle pass away as the dew of 
the morning, as the drops of the shower that 
linger upon the grass. 

W. P. Sister Conductress, your place in our 
Chapter of Sorrow is in the South. What is your 
duty there ? 

Cond. To teach my Sisters and Brethren that 
it is not all of life to live; but that the Great 
Master of Life hath promised us an opportunity 
to serve him in the world where faith is lost in 
sight, and hope ends in fruition. 

W. P. Sister Associate Conductress, your place 
in our Chapter of Sorrow is in the North. What 
is your duty there ? 

Assoc. Cond. To teach my Sisters and Brethren 
that out of the darkness of the grave spring the 
most glowing hopes of immortality. For the Lord 
redeemeth the souls of His servants; and none of 
them that trust iu Him shall be desolate. 

W. P. Sister Treasurer, your place in our Chap- 
ter of Sorrow is in the Northeast. What is your 
duty there ? 

Treas. To teach my Sisters and Brethren that 
the true riches of life are tbose that we are per- 
mitted to bear with us to the heavenly world, the 
treasure of good deeds. 

W. P. Sister Secretary, your place in our Chap- 



CHAPTER OF SORROW. 211 

ter of Sorrow is in the Southeast. What is your 
duty there ? 

Sec. To teach my Sisters and Brethren that the 
brightest record we can make in the present life 
is the obedience we render to our Father in 
heaven, by serving Him and keeping His com- 
mandments. 

W. P. Sisters Adah, Bath, Esther, Martha, and 
Electa, it is your part collectively to display in our 
midst the mystical Star of Adoptive Masonry. In 
our Chapter of Sorrow, what are your duties ? 

Adah. My duty is to point hopefully to the blue 
expanse, beyond which lie the happy homes of our 
departed. 

Ruth. My duty is to point to the golden tints 
of sunset, emblematical of the peaceful deathbed 
of those who sweetly sleep in the Lord. 

Esther. My duty is to point to the pure robes of 
the saints as indicative of the spotless inheritance 
reserved for those who live in the faith of the one 
ever living God. 

Martha. My duty is to point to the verdure of 
God's evergreen trees as symbolical of the un- 
fading glories of the heavenly groves. 

Electa. My duty is to point to the rosy tints of 
sunrise, as promising a blissful resurrection to 
those who die in the Lord. 

W. P. Sister Warder, your station in our 



212 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Chapter of Sorrow is within the door. "What is 
your duty there ? 

Warder. To teach my Sisters and Brethren that 
no watch nor ward can prevent the entrance of 
the King of Terrors to our midst. 

W. P. Sisters and Brethren, these lessons must 
not be lightly treated. Healing and profit must 
be drawn from our sorrows. It is the work of 
stupid, unreflecting minds to close our hearts 
against the warnings of Death. Our Divine 
Master admonishes us, " Be ye also ready.'* 

The Secretary now reads the list, previously prepared, 
of the fraternal dead of the preceding year, dwelling upon 
the facts of association in this Chapter; the official posi- 
tions held, if any; the time and place of burial, etc. An 
intelligent Secretary will interweave with these records 
sentiments of fraternal esteem and tender regrets. If 
obituary notices have been prepared for any of the de- 
ceased, eulogies, either in prose or verse, or any other 
forms of commemoration, they should be read immedi- 
ately after calling the names, respectively, by the Secre- 
tary; and, being read, should be ordered on file among 
the records of the Chapter. These proceedings being 
had, the ceremonies of the Chapter of Sorrow will be 
continued. 



CHAPTER OF SORROW. 213 

Will be sung the following or some other suitable 



Friend after friend departs : 

Who hath not lost a friend ? 
There is no union here of hearts, 

That finds not here an end. 
Were this frail world our only rest, 
Living or dying, none were blest. 

There is a world above 

Where parting is unknown — 
A whole eternity of love 

And blessedness alone ; 
And faith beholds the dying here 
Translated to that happier sphere. 

If time and circumstances will admit, now follows a 
Funeral Eulogium of a general character, to be delivered 
by some Member appointed at a previous meeting. 

The Chaplain or Patron will then repeat the following 
or some other suitable 



O Merciful and Loving Father, who hath made 
our present life but temporary, and thus decreed 
that the sorrows we endure shall not be perpetual, 
we thank Thee for the consciousness which Thou 
hast implanted in us that Thou dost exist and 
that the grave is not the end of life. Pity and 
forgive the errors of the living, so that the evil 



214 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

consequences of sin may not follow them into the 
other world. May we endure the crosses of life 
patiently as resting in hope of a blissful reward. 
And may we so labor upon the instructive 
designs of our Order that charity, friendship, 
good counsel, and morality may animate all our 
doings and render us well pleasing in Thy sight. 
Amen. 

The Patron, taking the Floral Star in hand, advances 
near the altar, uncovers the Urn, and says : 

W. P. This Floral emblem of the Eastern Star, 
wrought in Nature's own hues and from her own 
materials, instructs us with an eloquence only 
known to stars, and flowers, and gems. Who does 
not love flowers? they not only please the eye 
and gratify the sense, but they are monitors of 
truth and righteousness. Flowers are the smiles 
of nature, and earth would be but a desert with- 
out them. 

In the ritual of our Society flowers bear an im- 
portant pari. They suggest through their colors, 
and fragrance, and matchless forms, the brave 
lessons and womanly graces of the five heroines 
of the Eastern Star. It is proper, therefore, that 
in this our most solemn ceremonial we should 
introduce our traditional flowers with their ap- 
propriate lessons, and I shall call upon the im- 



CHAPTEE OF SOREOW. 215 

mediate representatives of those heroines to evolve 
the lessons they contain. 

Sister Adah : draw from these mute monitors 
of truth that portion of the Floral Star which 
suggests your particular place and impart to us 
its signification. (He hands her the Floral Star.) 

Adah {Plucks the blue flower from the Star and 
holds it up). Its lesson, my friends, is Undying 
Love. There are many who believe that the souls 
of our departed friends return, at times, when 
yearning love is strong within them, and bring us 
consolation from heavenly sources ; others that 
our Divine Father makes His messengers of such, 
to save us from despair in those moments when 
our hearts sink within us. In the belief that true 
love is undying, I deposit this flower within the 
Urn of Remembrance. (She does so, and then 
returns the Star to the Patron.) 

W. P. Blessed be God for flowers ! 

For the bright, gentle, holy thoughts that 

breathe 
From out their odorous beauty, like a wreath 
Of sunshine, on life's hours ! * 

Sister Ruth : continue these charming lessons ; 
select that portion of the Floral Star which sug- 
gests your particular place and impart to us its 
signification. (He hands her the Star.) 



216 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

Ruth (Plucks the yellow flower from the Flora 
Star and holds it up). Its lesson, my friends, ii 
Unending Possession. We believe, upon highes 
authority, that it is only what we have given tha 
abides with us when earthly treasures pass away 
Believing this, we lay our beloved ones in th< 
grave, trusting them to the hands of Him wh( 
can never forfeit the guardianship of our jewels 
In the belief that true love is unending, I deposi 
this flower within the Urn of Eemembrance 
(She does so, and then returns the Star to the Patron. 

W. P. Yes, flowers have words: God gave to each 

A language of its own, 
And bade the simple blossom teach, 

Where'er its seeds are sown. 
His voice is on the mountain's height, 

And by the river's side, 
Where flowers blush in glowing light, 

In Lowliness or Pride ; 
We feel, o'er all the blooming sod, 
It is the language of our God. 

Sister Esther : select that portion of the Floral 
Star which is suggestive of your place and imparl 
to us its signification. 

Esther (Plucks the white flower from the Floral 
Star and holds it up). Its lesson, my friends, is 
Heart Purity. A promise of ineffable consolation 
was once made, amidst the lilies on the mountain- 



CHAPTER OF SORROW. 217 

side, " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall 
see God ! " Believing this, the humble may look 
up — the lowly may hope — for the Unerring Eye 
will detect them amidst the flowers of His field 
and they shall not fail to realize His promise : 
" Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the king 
dom ! " In the belief that no word of God can be 
lost, I deposit this flower within the Urn of Ke- 
membrance. (She does so, and then returns the Star 
to the Patron.) 

W. P. We thank Thee, Lord, for weal and woe, 
And whatsoe'er the trial be; 
'Twill serve to wean us from below 
And bring our spirits nigher Thee. 

Sister Martha : select that portion of the Floral 
Star which is suggestive of your place and impart 
to us its signification. 

Martha (Plucks the green sprig from the Floral 
Star and holds it up). Its lesson, my friends, is 
Un deviating Sincerity. They whose souls have 
been touched with celestial fire can know no 
change. Coldness may wound them, but they 
cannot be alienated. Absence only increases 
their devotion to Him who has won their hearts 
by His divine favor. As from the grave, ofttimes, 
the sweetest floweret springs, so from the anguish 
of death are born the richest proofs of undeviat- 



218 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

ing sincerity. In the belief that true love is ever 
sincere, I deposit this green sprig within the Urn 
of Remembrance. (She does so, and then returns 
the Star to the Patron.) 

W. P. Shall we be left abandoned in the dust 

When Fate relenting lets the flower revive ? 
Shall nature's voice, to man alone unjust, 

Bid him, though doomed to perish, hope to live ? 

It is for this, fair Virtue oft must strive 
With disappointment, penury., and pain ? 

No ; heaven's immortal spring shall yet arrive, 
And man's majestic beauty bloom again 
Bright through the eternal year of love's triumphant 



Sister Electa: Take the remaining portion of 
the Floral Star, which is suggestive of your place, 
and impart to us its signification. 

Electa (Plucks the Bed flower from the Floral 
Star and hdds it up). Its lesson, my friends, is 
Unfading Bauty. On the banks of the pure river 
of the water of life, clear as crystal, is the tree of 
life, which yieldeth her fruit every month. There 
is no night there, neither sun nor moon ; for the 
glory of God doth lighten all the blissful place. 
Perfectly beautiful are the faces of the redeemed 
there; for they see the face of God and His name 
is in their foreheads. In the belief that true love 
is eternally beautiful, I deposit this flower within 



CHAPTER OF SORROW. 219 

the Urn of Remembrance. (She does so, and then 
returns the Star, having only the central portion, to 
the Patron.) 

W. P. How instructive are these lessons ! love 
undying and unending, animating hearts that are 
pure and sincere, will inherit the unfading beauty 
of which the Holy Spirit hath spoken. In this 
belief I deposit what remains of the Floral Star in 
the Urn of Remembrance. (He does so, replacing 
the pall.) Rent and torn and concealed from view 
by the dark pall enclosing it in, it recalls the 
image of those whose death has rent from us, 
tearing our hearts with grief and concealing them 
from our eyes as by the pall of the grave ! But 
blessed be God the Restorer, this concealment is 
but for a little. They shall come forth as the 
flowers in the spring and clothed with new beauty. 
Divulging all the secrets of the grave they shall 
come forth. Conquerors over the utmost power 
of death they shall come forth. A voice which 
they can in no wise resist shall summon them ; a 
hand shall be stretched forth to strengthen them ; 
and at once, all for which we sighed and wept 
and sorely regretted shall be restored to us in the 
Land where there is no night. 

The Patron and Sisters return to their places, and the 
Patron continues the services. 

The duty we owed to the dead is performed. 



220 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

It remains, that we who are alive should so live, 
and by our actions attend the coming of the day 
of fate, that we may neither be surprised, nor 
leave our duties imperfect, nor our sins uncanceled, 
nor our persons unreconciled, nor God unap- 
peased; but that, when our bodies in their turn 
descend to their graves, our souls may ascend to 
the regions of eternal light. Whatever fate is to 
befall us in thij world, let the motto of our lives 
be — for the Past, Charity; for the Present, Hope; 
for the Future, Faith. 

CLOSING. 

W. P. Sister Associate Matron, the labors of 
this Chapter of Sorrow being ended, it is proper 
that it be now closed. Make due announcement 
to the Sisters and Brethren, and invite them to 
assist. 

Assoc. M. ( 9 o ) Sisters and Brethren, the labors 
of this Chapter of Sorrow being ended, it is the 
pleasure of the Worthy Patron that it be now 
closed. 

Will be sung the following, or some other suitable 

HYMN. 

Air — Joyfully, joyfully. 

Life is a vapor, bow brief is its stay, 
Vanishing, vanishing, passing away ! 



CHAPTEE OF SOREOW. 221 

Life is a flower that springs in the morn, 
Fading, ah, fading, no more to return. 
Life is an arrow, how swift is its flight ! 
Life is the rose-tint that fades into night : 
Lord ! may our lives to Thy service be given, 
Fading on earth but immortal in heaven. 



Teach us the worth of the vanishing time, 
Make every life in its purpose sublime ; 
Virtue and innocence, charity's dower, 
Father of blessings, oh, grant us with power ! 
Patient and strong to endure to the end : 
Hopeful and faithful and true to each friend ; 
Lord ! may our lives to Thy service be given, 
Fading on earth, but immortal in heaven. 

The Chaplain will pronounce the following 

BENEDICTION. 

May the blessing of our Father, who is in 
heaven, rest upon us all, now and foreverrnore ! 
May friendship and love increase among us, and 
the remembrance of our friends who have gone 
away from among us make more dear unto us 
those who remain ! The peace and blessing of 
Almighty God descend upon us and abide forever ! 
Amen. 

Response. So mote it be. 

W. P. This Chapter of Sorrow is now closed. 



222 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

FUNERAL SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 

The members of the Chapter form a circle round the 
grave; the Patron at the head, with the Matron, Adah, 
Ruth, and Esther at his right hand; the Associate Matron, 
Chaplain, Martha, and Electa at his left, inside of the 
circle ; the mourners at the foot of the grave. 

The above arrangements being completed, the Patron 
will commence the services by saying : 

Patron. Friends, we are now assembled around 
the final resting-place of these moital remains, 
and are about closing the solemn duties of respect 
we owe to our departed sister. A few reflections, 
therefore, applicable to the solemnities of this oc- 
casion, instructive and impressive as they should 
be to the living, may, with propriety, be offered 
on this sacred spot — a spot hallowed with the 
memories of departed friendships, which linger 
round the heart, awakening a thousand melan- 
choly, yet pleasing reflections. 

We are often told that in the world of matter 
all bodies are subject to the laws of mutual at- 
traction and repulsion. The stars that fill the 
vault of heaven, the drops that make the ocean, 
the atoms that form the universe, are all con- 
trolled by a simple but mysterious power that 
renders the perfect isolation of even a grain of 
sand impossible. No human being can pass away 



SEBVICE AT THE GKAVE. 223 

into death without the knowledge or sympathy of 
some one. We cannot, if we would, live or die 
wholly unto ourselves. An individual may fall, 
unseen, unwept, unhonored, and unsung, but 
when he drops like a pebble into the ocean of 
eternity, a little ripple is created which must for- 
ever widen toward the limitless shore. 

The fashion of this world passeth away ; the 
fashion that at last we all weary of ; the fashion 
of sadness and sorrow, of errors and vain regret, 
of hopes that wither like the leaves, and fears 
that become cruel realities ; of being sick and 
disappointed; of aching hearts and bodies that 
need the rest of death. 

Our Father who is in heaven hath again re- 
minded us of the brevity and uncertainty of 
human life, and hath warned us also to be ready 
for that day which comes at last unto all, when 
our bodies must return unto the dust from which 
they came, and the spirit unto Him who gave it. 
Again our heads are bowed down and our hearts 
are heavy. The lesson of the present is full of 
deep and significant meaning. Our beloved sis- 
ter has fallen in life's battle, acknowledged the 
supremacy of death, yielded to a victor whom 
none can resist, and entered upon the sleep that 
knows no waking. Her star is set on this world, 
and she has passed into the light that is beyond 



224 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

the valley of the shadow of death. With her we 
have traveled the pilgrimage of life, and sym- 
pathized in its vicissitudes and trials. She is now 
removed beyond the reach of our praise or cen- 
sure. That we loved her our presence here 
evinces. As she in her life exemplified the vir- 
tues of those chosen servants of God — the lovely 
characteristics of the Order so surely shall be her 
reward. The memory of her virtues lingers in 
our remembrance, and reflects its shining lustre 
beyond the portals of the tomb. 

Sisters, brothers, and dear friends, let us hence- 
forward improve the remaining span of life, and 
be prepared to obey our heavenly Grand Patron's 
call, and go from our labors on earth to ever- 
lasting happiness in the world to come. 

Let us pray. 

The Chaplain, or a person appointed for the purpose, 
will read the following, or give, extemporaneously, some 
other appropriate 



O merciful and loving Father, who hast made 
our present life but temporary, and thus decreed 
that the sorrows we endure shall not be perpetual, 
we thank Thee for the consciousness which Thou 
hast implanted in us that Thou dost exist, and 
that the grave is not the end of life. Pity and 



SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 225 

forgive the errors of the living, so that the evil 
consequences of sin may not follow them into the 
other world. May we endure the crosses of life 
patiently, as resting in hope of a blissful reward. 
And may we so labor upon the instructive designs 
of our Order that Charity, Friendship, Good 
Counsel, and Morality may animate all our do- 
ings, and render us well pleasing in Thy sight. 
Amen. 

After the Prayer, the members will join in singing the 
following, or some other appropriate 



I would not live alway, I ask not to stay, 
"Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way; 
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here, 
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer. 

Who, who would live alway, away from his God ; 
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode 
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, 
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns. 

Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, 
Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet ; 
While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, 
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul. 

After singing, the Patron takes a Floral Star from the 
coffin (which should be prepared for the occasion, made 
five-pointed, and of the five appropriate colors, to wit : 



226 ADOPTIVE RITE. 

blue, yellow, white, green, and red ; the center or crown 
of the star of immortelles, in the center of which is a 
single Tuberose). The coffin is then lowered into the 
grave, after which the Patron proceeds as follows : 

Patron. This floral emblem of the Eastern 
Star, wrought in Nature's own hues and from her 
own materials, instructs us with an eloquence be- 
yond that of words. Who does not love flowers ? 
They not only please and gratify the senses, but 
also speak impressively and eloquently to the 
soul of heavenly things, and are the monitors of 
truth and righteousness. Flowers are the smiles 
of Nature, and earth would be a desert without 
them. 

In the ritual of our Society, flowers bear an im- 
portant part. They suggest, through their colors 
and fragrance and matchless forms, the brave 
lessons and womanly graces of the five heroines 
of the Eastern Star. It is proper, therefore, that 
in this, our most solemn ceremonial, we should 
introduce our traditional flowers, with their ap- 
propriate lessons ; and I shall call upon the im- 
mediate representatives of those heroines to re- 
mind us of the lessons they contain. 

Sister Adah, draw from these mute monitors of 
truth that portion of the Floral Star which sug- 
gests your particular place, and impart to us its 
signification. 



SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 227 

He hands her the Floral Star, she pulls from it the blue 
flower, and holding it up, says : 

Adah. This blue flower, symbolizing universal 
friendship, teaches the lesson of Undying Love. 
In the belief that true love is undying, I deposit 
this memento of our love in the grave with the 
remains of our departed sister. 

She does so, and returns the Star to the Patron. 

Patron. Sister Ruth, select that portion of tLj 
Floral Star which suggests your particular place, 
and impart to us its signification. 

He hands her the Star, she pulls from it the yellow 
flower, and holding it up, says : 

Rttth. This yellow flower, symbolizing disin- 
terested kindness, teaches the lesson of Unending 
Possession. In the belief that true love is unend- 
ing, I deposit this memento of our remembrance 
in the grave. 

She does so, and hands the Star to the Patron. 

Patron. Sister Esther, select that portion of 
the Floral Star which suggests your particular 
place, and impart to us its signification. 

He hands her the Star, she pulls from it the white 
flower, and holding it up, says : 

Esther. This white flower, symbolizing truth 



228 ADOPTIVE KITE. 

and innocence, teaches the lesson of Heart Purity. 
In the belief that no word of God can be lost, I 
deposit this emblem of our reverence for the will 
of God in the grave. 

She does so, and returns the Star to the Patron. 

Patron. Sister Martha, select that portion of 
the Floral Star which suggests your place, and 
impart to us its signification. 

He hands her the Star, she pulls from it the evergreen, 
and holding it up, says : 

Martha. This evergreen, symbolizing immor- 
tality, teaches the lesson of Undeviating Sincer- 
ity. In the belief that true love is ever sincere, 
and of our faith in a blessed immortality, I de- 
posit this emblem of our hope in the grave. 

She does so, and returns the Star to the Patron. 

Patron. Sister Electa, select that portion of 
the Star which suggests your particular place, 
and impart to us its signification. 

He hands her the Star, she pulls from it the remaining 
red flower, and holding it up, says : 

Electa. This red flower, symbolizing fervency, 
teaches the lesson of Unfading Beauty. In the 
belief that sincere friendship is eternally beauti- 



SERVICE AT THE GKAVE. 229 

ful, I deposit this memento of our disinterested 
friendship in the grave of our departed sister. 

She does so, and returns the Star, having only the cen- 
tral portion to the Patron. 

Patron. How instructive are these lessons! 
Love undying and -unending, animating hearts 
that are pure and sincere, will inherit the unfad- 
ing beauty of which the Holy Spirit hath spoken. 
In this belief, I deposit what remains of the 
Floral Star in the grave of our deceased sister. 
The duty we owe to the dead is performed. It 
remains that we who are living should so live and 
by our actions attend the coming of the day of 
fate, that we may neither be surprised nor leave 
our duties imperfect, nor our sins uncancelled, 
nor God un appeased ; but that when our bodies, 
in their turn, descend to their graves, our souls 
may ascend to the regions of eternal light. What- 
ever fate is to befall us in this world, let the motto 
of our lives be : For the past, Charity ; for the 
present Hope ; and for the future Faith. 

After the above, the Benediction may be pronounced 
by the acting clergy, or the following prayer by the 
Chaplain: 

PRATEE. 

Almighty and merciful God, infinite in wisdom 
and goodness, extend to us the riches of Thy 



230 ADOPTIVE EITE. 

everlasting favor, make us grateful for the bene- 
fits we enjoy, and crown us with immortal life 
and honor. Thou hast decreed that we all shall 
die and come to dust. Thou hast also decreed 
that we shall rise from death to everlasting life. 
In that faith may we live, ever remembering that 
here we have no abiding-place. In that faith 
may we die, ever believing that when our earthly 
house is dissolved, we shall be welcomed to that 
glorious mansion not made with hands eternal in 
the heavens. Aid these mourning friends to feel 
that the ties of kindred, affection, and friendship 
are not broken by death, and that the family in 
heaven and on earth are the same. Forgive our 
transgressions, strengthen us to perform our 
duties, comfort us in our sorrows, and take us at 
last unto Thyself in heaven. Amen. 

Response by the members. 

Amen and Amen. 



